Do Not Conform to Evil Desires

1 Peter 1:14 “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”

            Once we tell our children to do, or not to do, something we expect them to be obedient.  If they are not, we discipline them until they forgo their will and comply with ours.  It is the same with our Heavenly Father.  Children need to learn to be unselfish, industrious, honest, and charitable as these things do not come naturally in our sinful state.  So when I came to know You, Lord, You had to teach me too and expect obedience.

            When I was in ignorance, my desires were evil.  I wanted self-gratification al all costs.  I wanted to be noticed, applauded for well doing, to be appreciated and to gain those things I manipulated, exaggerated, lied, told stories, and was loud.  After all of these years of walking with You, Lord, You have changed me so much.  Oh, I still struggle sometimes with the old desires and for those times I have asked for forgiveness and You have graciously forgiven.  Thank You Lord, for that!

            Thank You for the changes You have brought about in me.  Thank You for guarding me and protecting me from myself.  It’s funny…but now if I am applauded, noticed, or someone shows appreciation for something I have done, I am humbled and embarrassed because You and You alone deserve the glory.  Without You, I can do nothing.