“For everything in the world — the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does — comes not from the Father but from the world.”
1 John 2:16
Look closely at this verse. How would you sum up the cravings of sinful man? With one word: lust. And what about the lust of his eyes? That’s envy. And boasting is just another word for pride. They say that virtually every kind of sin can be traced to these three villains — lust, envy, and pride.
So how is the battle against those opponents going for you today? Maybe you are toying with daydreams and imagining yourself in the arms of someone forbidden. Perhaps envy is enticing you to spend beyond your means in order to keep pace with the neighbors. And pride may be tempting you to run mental movies of past successes.
Is all this struggling worth the effort? Wouldn’t you rather sit ringside and watch someone else go his fair share of rounds against lust, envy, and pride? Well, if you are wrestling against these villains today, you are in a better state than many who have no feeling for the struggle at all. You are in a better condition than those who are stagnated in apathy.
Bishop Ryle has said, “The very fact that the Devil has pinpointed you as his opponent should fill your mind with hope. For to be at peace with the world, the flesh and the devil is to be at enmity with God.”
Lord of the Battle, please fit me for conflict today for I constantly face temptation. Rather than lust, I want to desire You. Instead of envy, may I be jealous for fellowship. Instead of pride, I would rather boast in You. Guard me and my loved ones from the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
Blessings,
Joni and Friends
