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Written by Dave Boller for “Working for Christ” @ http://work4christ.wordpress.com/

Original post @ http://work4christ.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/are-you-willing-to-pay-the-price/

ARE YOU WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE?
by “Working for Christ”

“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5-6, NIV)

We’ve all been there. Just before mealtime we raid the cupboard or the refrigerator. We need something to hold us over until dinner time. We need satisfaction. And, we need it now.

Food is just the beginning. When the new iPhone is released this summer, how many of us will sell or trade our old phones so we can get the new and improved version? We feel as if we’re nobody if we don’t have the latest and greatest – especially when it comes to our phones. Or, when the odometer in our car turns a certain number of miles we feel as if we need to upgrade to a newer model even though there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the car we’re driving.

We see an alluring woman (or man) and lust takes over. We go a little closer. Our desire overrules our self-control. If we proceed, there is a price that will be paid.

There’s no doubt, while we’re in this body we’re consumed with a gnawing sense that we have this hole in our lives that needs to be filled. We long to fill that hole with any number of material things and experiences, both good and bad. But no matter how much money we make or what kinds of pursuits we chase after, that hunger for more still eats away at us.

Instead of going to God’s Word for direction when we are tempted, or instead of using the brain He gave us, oftentimes we go with our gut. Or worse, we fly on autopilot, not giving a second thought to the consequences of our actions.

Like Esau giving up his birthright for some bread and stew, we sometimes exchange true joy for a temporary thrill, a blessed future for immediate fulfillment. We carelessly toss aside our imperishable spiritual birthright for a consumable – and fleeting – fantasy.

The rewards of obedience to God’s will are flushed away every day by such hasty choices. We give up our financial security or our own sexual purity for a rush that lasts only seconds. The regret, however, may last for years.

So before giving in to your earthly desires, stop and pray. Take some time. Then take another look at what God has to offer. It’s priceless!

Enjoy your day, “Working for Christ!”