Day 6: Putting to Death Earthly Desires (Colossians 3:5)
Welcome to Day 6 of our blog series on overcoming lust with the power of God. Today, we delve into Colossians 3:5, which calls us to put to death earthly desires associated with lust. We will explore the specific desires mentioned, such as sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, and discuss how they hinder our pursuit of purity. Additionally, we will examine the concept of idolatry in relation to lustful desires and provide practical strategies for recognizing and eliminating these earthly desires from our lives. By putting to death these desires, we open ourselves to experience the fullness of God's transformative work.
Putting to Death Earthly Desires:
Colossians 3:5 urges believers to put to death specific earthly desires that are associated with lust. These desires include sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness. Putting them to death requires a decisive and intentional action on our part, acknowledging that these desires hinder our relationship with God and our pursuit of purity.
The Concept of Idolatry:
Lustful desires can become a form of idolatry when we prioritize them above God and His will for our lives. Idolatry is the worship of something or someone other than God, giving our devotion and allegiance to false gods. By placing our desires for pleasure and self-gratification above God's commands, we distort our worship and stray from His intended purpose for our lives.
Practical Strategies for Recognizing and Eliminating Earthly Desires:
a. Self-Examination: Engage in honest self-reflection and identify areas of your life where lustful desires may be prevalent. Recognize the triggers, thoughts, and patterns that lead you astray.
b. Renewing Your Mind: Immerse yourself in God's Word, allowing it to transform your thoughts and attitudes. Meditate on Scripture that affirms purity, righteousness, and the pursuit of God's will.
c. Accountability and Support: Seek accountability from a trusted friend or mentor who can provide guidance, encouragement, and prayer support. Share your struggles, victories, and prayer requests with them.
d. Filling the Void: Identify healthy and productive activities that can replace the void left by eliminated desires. Engage in serving others, cultivating hobbies, pursuing spiritual growth, and building healthy relationships.
e. Prayer and Surrender: Regularly come before God in prayer, surrendering your desires and weaknesses to Him. Ask for His strength, guidance, and transformation in the areas of earthly desires and lust.
On Day 6 of our series, we have explored the call to put to death earthly desires associated with lust, such as sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness. We have recognized the concept of idolatry in relation to lustful desires, acknowledging the danger of prioritizing these desires above God. By implementing practical strategies like self-examination, renewing our minds, seeking accountability, filling the void, and surrendering to God in prayer, we can recognize and eliminate these earthly desires from our lives. Let us wholeheartedly commit to putting these desires to death, opening ourselves to the transformative work of God and the pursuit of purity.
Reflection:
What specific earthly desires associated with lust do you need to put to death in your life?
How have you seen lustful desires become a form of idolatry in your own experience?
Which practical strategies mentioned resonate with you the most, and how will you implement them to recognize and eliminate these desires from your life?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I humbly come before You, asking for the strength to put to death earthly desires in my life. Help me to recognize and eliminate lustful desires that hinder my relationship with You. Fill me with Your Spirit, enabling me to pursue purity and honor You in all I do. In Jesus' name, amen.