The Human Struggle

It’s the age-old tale, since the Garden of Eden – man’s struggle with his weak nature.

It’s this common struggle that has led to the downfall of many. From the greatest of leaders to the toddler eyeballing the cookie jar, we observe that no one is immune to this intrinsic desire to pursue and succumb to pleasure.

Proverbs 21:17 “He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”

Pleasure is a temporary reward. It is the fulfillment of fleeting desires that are unrooted and often undeserved. These fleeting desires provide the opportunity for an instant gratification that has the power to lead us all down the vicious path of addiction and blinded pursuit.

However, in this struggle, we also find our greatest freedom. The freedom to choose. The freedom to decide that the eternal reward of doing what is right, means more than the temporary pleasure of doing what is wrong.

We have the choice, and my friends, let’s decide. Let’s decide to put aside the urge for ungodly relationships, mind altering substances, and immoral pursuits. Let’s decide to give up our flesh and take up the cross that signifies victory over death and sin. The path may not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Because as we choose to do what’s right, we find ourselves becoming more like the Creator. We find ourselves more resistant against attacks on our minds and bodies. We fortify ourselves with a character that can withstand the obstacles and trials this life will inevitably bring.

And most importantly, we find ultimate fulfillment in the fact that we are living according to our God-given calling.