Unregulated Desires

by Chadwick Brewer

“For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (I John 2:16).

Our desires come from God. He created desire between a husband and wife. He created beauty in this world for us to see and delight in. God made these good desires and established proper times and situations for them.

John is not speaking against having desires. Instead, he is speaking against satisfying those desires outside of God’s plan and indulging them to our harm. He describes this as “lust,” which is unregulated desire. In our society, fulfilling our every desire whenever it strikes is not only encouraged but expected. Those who choose to practice self-control and follow God’s plan are mocked, ridiculed, and pressured to change. Sexual immorality, greed, covetousness, wrath, lust, and pride are just a few examples of good desires that, when left unregulated, become huge spiritual problems.

Some, when they feel God’s rules are restrictive, conclude that God takes all the fun out of life. But God has made us creatures of deep passions and strong desires, and He has also provided safe and holy outlets for them. What really takes the fun out of life are STDs, single parenthood (due to our choices), divorce, arrogance, greed, miserliness, and emotional baggage. How much wiser is God’s plan! His plan of regulation is far less complicated and far more rewarding.

Are we people who indulge our desires, or do we allow God to regulate them?