Thoughts that Monopolize

As the intensity of a thought monopolizes your attention, self-control increasingly becomes difficult. If the desire to possess an object intensifies, it has power to prevent you from regulating your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The capacity to think logically is in danger of collapsing as desire builds up.

An example of lust’s disarming self-control is David’s lust for Bathsheba. Instead of directing his mind to godly pursuits, he continued to bathe his thoughts in sexual fantasies. David knew it was wrong to enjoy these thoughts, for they would lead to the destruction of inner peace.

St. Augustine’s book Confessions exposes his battle with lust. "My will was wicked, and lust grew from it. When I gave in to lust, a habit was born and held me captive.” God gives you power to resist Satan and the temptations he hurls at you. "Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world." Let this be your faith and confidence for deliverance. 

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Do not love the world or the things that are belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of one’s lifestyle – is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away; but those who do the will of God live forever.

~1 John 2:15-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible

Don't Lust for Other People's Stuff

Internal conflict is set in motion when something you want is in opposition to peace and a clear conscience. Regulating impulses that direct you toward a particular action is determined by the Spirit of Truth that produces self-control. Preoccupation with a desired object can undermine your ability to self-regulate.

As an employee, I agree to be responsible for doing my best work with a good attitude. If I lust after another employee's position, my best work is in danger of being compromised. The more intense the preoccupation with lust, the less effective I am at self-regulating thoughts and actions that are hurtful to others and myself.

God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, and the tenth explicitly states, "Do not covet." To stop this impulse, remember God’s provision for you, and then continuously express thanksgiving for his goodness. God knows your need and will graciously provide for you as you seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.  

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This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: “Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength. But you would have none of it.

So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. 

~Isaiah 30:15,18 New Living Translation

Face Conflict with Encouragement from God - Part 1

The Bible provides extensive examples of power struggles, conflicts and their solutions. Even heaven wasn’t exempt from power struggles. Isaiah 14:12 describes Lucifer, the shining star of all the angels, striving for power and control. A massive fight erupted in heaven, resulting in the expulsion of Lucifer and his followers from heaven.

Power and control, when appropriately allocated, don’t eradicate conflict but can keep it in check. Problems develop as we lust for and covet power. The tenth commandment is precise: “You shall not covet.” Coveting or lusting after anything is an inward compulsion to possess whatever from whomever, regardless of the cost.

          This commandment tends to produce conflict and power struggles because it’s extremely difficult to obey. However, Christians have an advocate who pleads our case before God the Father. Therefore, he forgives us as we confess and repent of this sin and then gives us a new beginning. Isn’t that good news?  I'm Olen Baker.