JUN 13

1 John 2:15-17
Memorise 1 John 2:16
“…abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”

It is not often that one finds a single verse in the Bible that sums up everything about a subject. 1 John 2:16 is one such verse. In this verse, all possible forms of lusts are neatly described and defined. As we have seen in an earlier reading; sin originates from succumbing to lusts and hence, this verse can also be seen as neatly categorizing all forms of sins into the 3 mentioned. Lusts of the flesh are lusts that originate from the body. Examples include things like an excessive desire for food, physical comfort, unlawful sex and even an addictive desire for thrills that come from playing computer games. Some love food so much they are ready to sin against God to obtain what they want. Same goes with the desire to attain physical comforts for the body. Given a choice between serving God and lazily relaxing in front of the TV, the latter often wins. Sexual sins in the form of thought or act if indulged outside of a marriage is a sin of the flesh. Lusts of the eyes are lusts that relate to what one sees. Such lust is often related to lusts of the flesh because what one sees can feed sinful appetites of the flesh and cause us to sin. If certain things that we set our eyes upon tempt us to sin, such things cannot be good. The converse is also true, meaning, if we bear ourselves in such a manner so as to tempt others to see and be tempted, that is also not good. Finally, the pride of life. This occurs when we become proud, thinking of ourselves more highly than we should. The mature Christian will understand that everything we are and have is from the Lord. Hence, we have nothing good we can lay claim to. Despite this truth, we sometimes take credit and allow ourselves to be puffed up when praised. Some even go all out to be noticed and wait for that word of recognition that simply feels so good. This is sinful pride of life that seeks to puff up our ego, and takes glory away from God.

1 John 2:16 makes it easy for us to identify the temptations and sins in our own lives and in the process helps us reject them more easily. Identifying a sin is not enough if we do not consciously reject it. We have to do our part in overcoming temptation and being holy. May you renew your effort to resist temptation through this knowledge.

Thought: What is your greatest weakness?
Prayer: Lord, please help me to desire a life of holiness.