The Battle for Your Affection

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:16)

John didn’t sugarcoat the struggle that we face in this world as believers. Here, he breaks down the core temptations that pull us away from God into three simple categories:

1. The lust of the flesh – refers to the craving for pleasure and the desire to satisfy our physical and emotional appetites that contradict God’s Word and His law.

2. The lust of the eyes – this is covetousness. It signifies the desire to possess what others have: their belongings, their status, and their successes.

3. The pride of life – this manifests as boasting about our possessions, accomplishments, or how we are perceived by others. It reflects an obsession with our own importance.

The pattern of using these three temptations is nothing new. Satan employed them at the very beginning of time. He made sure Eve saw that the forbidden fruit was “good for food” (the lust of the flesh), “pleasant to the eyes” (lust of the eyes), and “desired to make one wise” (pride of life). Do you know why the enemy hasn’t changed his tactics? Because they still work!  John was trying to remind the church that these desires do not originate from God; they emerge from the world and from Satan, who is the god of this world’s system.

So, how can we combat these three traps?  Instead of indulging our fleshly desires, we trust and rely on God by walking in the Spirit.We don’t follow Eve’s example by fixating on what we’re not meant to have. Instead, we set our eyes on Jesus, and He will align our desires with His will.

When pride shows up in our hearts and emotions, we decide not to measure our worth by our status, achievements, or the approval of others. We measure our worth based on what God says about us.

Practical Application

Ask yourself, “What desires have been pulling me away from God?” Make it a point to replace your worldly cravings with godly pursuits. Spend more time in the Word and worship, and find ways to serve others in your free time.

Romans 13:14; Genesis 3:6 

The Power of Surrender

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:5-7)

Peter emphasized the power of humility throughout his letter to the church. He began discussing the significance of submission, initially from the younger to the elder, and then broadening it to mutual submission among all believers. Biblical submission isn’t about control; it’s about the transformative power of honor that changes the atmospheres we find ourselves in.

We are called to value one another in the body of Christ. We must recognize that everyone has a role to play and that each person is important.

Peter then explained the dangers of not allowing submission and surrender to be part of our lives. He stated, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Pride not only makes life harder; when we live in pride, we are in opposition to God Himself. What a dangerous position to take!

Instead, Peter urged believers to pursue a deeper level of humility. He was not advocating for self-degradation; instead, he emphasized living with a posture of honor and trust.

How can we cultivate a lifestyle of greater honor and trust? Peter explained that we achieve this by casting our cares on God.

Pride asserts, “I can manage this on my own.” Humility replies, “Lord, I need you.”

Practical Application

Are you holding onto things you need to surrender to God? When anxiety begins to creep into your heart and mind, write down the burdens you have been carrying, crumple the page, and throw it away as a symbolic act. Pray—and offer your anxieties to God before they weigh you down.

Ephesians 5:21; Proverbs 3:34

Listening with a Soft Heart

 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7)

God speaks to you every day. There is never a time when He doesn’t, but we often refuse to listen.

When we listen with a heart of pride, we harden ourselves against God's plans, will, and way. Instead, we want God to agree with our perspective and emotions, and see our issues as we see them.The Bible describes a person who refuses to listen to God as having a “hardened heart.” A hardened heart does not develop overnight. It begins with small actions: ignoring the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, justifying our disobedience to God’s Word, and resisting the correction that comes from authority or God Himself.

Choosing stubbornness over surrender means missing out on God’s perfect plan.

When God speaks, we have a choice: will we open our hearts and remain soft and responsive, or will we resist because it challenges our desires or perceptions?

A soft heart is not just about being able to hear God; it’s about responding to Him. The more we obey, the more sensitive we become to His leading. Similarly, the more we resist and push against what God has placed on our hearts, the harder it becomes to discern His voice.

Practical Application

Take time today to pray and ask God, “Is there anything you have been speaking that I have been ignoring?” When you sense your emotions and will resisting what God is saying, pause immediately and pray. Say, “Lord, help me receive what you are saying, even if it is not what I want to hear.”

Psalm 95:7; Hebrews 3:7