Who is a Loser?
Evil Desires – Part 1

Scripture Reading:  Galatians 5:19-21

Key Verse: Colossians 3:5

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

The fourth issue listed by the Apostle Paul in our printed key verse is, “evil desire.”  The Greek word used by Paul to describe evil is “kakos.”  This word indicates a mode of thinking that is wrong and destructive.  The apostle is challenging us to change our way of thinking.  We often speak of bad habits but seldom realize that the way we think is often very habitual.  These thinking habits are influenced by the family we were raised in as well as the friends we hang around with.  These patterns of thinking are often put in place by what we watch on TV, or the movies we go see.  The apostle’s warning—put in modern lingo—“junk in, junk out!”  If we fill our minds with worldly images, they will ultimately form patterns of thinking—evil patterns and desires.

            The Apostle Paul wrote the Roman church a letter that instructed them in this area: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2a).  The apostle repeats this concept often in his writing; we must deprive these evil desires of any fresh energy to grow in our lives.  It is our responsibility to guard the input that goes into our minds.  What we consistently look at and/or read will soon form strong habits of thinking.  Let’s determine to starve the bad habits and feed the wholesome ones.

Father, guide my eyes today and help me filter the sinful images so I can fully serve you.  In  Jesus’ name, amen.