Desire vs. Should

2-5-2010
Desire vs. Should

For most of us, we know what we should do, but very few understand the limitations that “should” gives us. When we know we should do something, that doesn’t necessarily mean we are going to do it. However, when we desire to do something, we won’t stop until it’s been achieved!

I typically workout in the mornings, but yesterday morning I was tired. I landed in Dallas late the previous night, and felt like I was running on fumes. My first thought was, “I should workout.” Unfortunately, the thought of “should” wasn’t going to get me out the door. Then I remembered our upcoming trip to the beach, and the chips and queso I ate the previous day would probably look a lot better off of my stomach! My desire to look good in a bathing suit had me running on the treadmill about as fast as I could arrive at the gym. Again, desire sprung me into action, not what I “should” do.

In Romans 7:15-17 we read of Paul’s struggle with sin despite the fact he knew what he “should” do.
“15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.”

Paul had the same struggles with evil and sin as we have today, so did Paul spring into action because of what he knew he “should” do? NO! Paul had a burning desire to spread the message of truth to the world. Paul’s desire to make God famous controlled his life, thus motivating him daily to die for his beliefs.

In order for us to live the life God desires us to live, we must have a burning desire that motivates us. To simply know what you “should” do isn’t enough. To do what you “should” do requires a desire to do it. How do we obtain the burning desire like Paul had? Get to know your maker intimately and you won’t be able to contain your desire for Christ!