Battling Self-Lust and Aligning Desires with God's Will
In a world where self-gratification is often celebrated, the Bible calls us to a higher standard, urging us to 'walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh' (Galatians 5:16). These desires of the flesh, which encompass self-lust and selfish ambitions, are at odds with our spiritual calling. To follow Christ means to flee from sexual immorality, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). The apostle Paul exhorts us to 'put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires' (Romans 13:14). When we yield to temptation, we are led astray by our own desires, which give birth to sin and, when fully grown, bring forth death (James 1:14-15). Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are called to abstain from fleshly passions, which wage war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11).
The Biblical Perspective on Judgment and Forgiveness
The act of judging others is a treacherous slope, for 'with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you' (Matthew 7:1-2). This principle reveals the cycle of judgment we can inadvertently initiate; the standard we set for others becomes the standard by which we ourselves are judged. The Bible, therefore, urges us to practice forgiveness and mercy instead of judgment. Understanding this concept in the context of scripture can be enlightening, as Luke's gospel teaches us to 'forgive, and you will be forgiven' (Luke 6:37), while Paul reminds us that we have no right to judge another's servant, for before their own master they stand or fall (Romans 14:4). We must remember that there is only one lawgiver and judge, and we are called to speak and act as those who will be judged under the law of liberty (James 4:12). The call to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave us, is at the heart of Christian conduct (Ephesians 4:32).
Fasting with Purpose: Spiritual Preparation and Practice
Fasting, a discipline practiced across numerous religions, is a time to focus on spiritual matters and seek a closer connection with the divine. The prophet Isaiah describes the true fast as one that looses the bonds of wickedness and shares bread with the hungry (Isaiah 58:6-7). In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about fasting without ostentation, encouraging us to fast in a manner that is not evident to others but only to God who sees in secret (Matthew 6:16-18). The act of fasting coupled with prayer was an essential part of the early church, as seen in Acts 14:23, where the elders fasted and prayed before committing to their work. Throughout biblical history, fasting has been used as a means of humbling oneself before God, as reflected in the Psalmist's declaration, 'I humbled my soul with fasting' (Psalm 69:10). As we engage in fasting, we are reminded to prepare our hearts and minds, seeking the guidance of religious authorities and engaging in spiritual practices such as prayer and meditation.
Understanding the Nature of Jesus: The Word Made Flesh
Central to Christian faith is the understanding of Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh, a concept eloquently expressed in the opening chapter of John's Gospel: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God' (John 1:1). This foundational truth reveals the preexistence and divinity of Christ, who 'became flesh and dwelt among us' (John 1:14), embodying the grace and truth of God. The apostle Paul speaks of Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, in whom all things hold together (Colossians 1:15-17). The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being (Hebrews 1:3). In the book of Revelation, Jesus is called 'The Word of God,' a title that encapsulates His role as the ultimate revelation of God's will to humanity (Revelation 19:13). Through Christ, the nature and character of God are made manifest to the world.
FAQ
Q: What does God say about self-lust?
A: In the Bible, self-lust or selfish desires are often referred to as 'the desires of the flesh.' The Bible teaches that such desires can lead to sinful actions and ultimately separate us from God. In Galatians 5:16 it says, 'But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.'
Q: How bad is it to cuss?
A: Using foul language or profanity can be harmful, as it can hurt others and lead to negativity. It is important to speak in a way that is uplifting and respectful to others, as our words have the power to impact those around us.
Q: Where does the Bible say if you judge others, you will be judged?
A: The Bible addresses the concept of judgment in several places, one of which is in Matthew 7:1-2: 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'
Q: What are the steps to fast for religious reasons?
A: To fast for religious reasons, you should familiarize yourself with the specific fasting rules of your religion, prepare spiritually for the fast, follow the guidance of your religious leaders, and engage in spiritual activities during the fast to deepen your connection with God.
