Desire

  Is it wrong to want something? I guess it depends on what we want.

  The Greek language had a word ‘orego’ that meant “to stretch oneself out in order to touch or grasp something, often used metaphorically to denote a strong desire or aspiration for something”. Paul uses this word in 1st Timothy as a good thing (to be an elder 3:1) and a bad thing (longing for money 6:10).

  Our desires oftentimes define who we are. They motivate us to action. They are the focus of our minds and actions.

 And they can be both good and bad.

 Sometimes we want something better and we run over people to get it. Sometimes, we want something better so we will strive to improve ourselves.

 Sometimes we see people with nothing they want and we envy them. Other people will see with no desire and we pity them.

 We need to desire good things. Be willing to work to get them. Care enough to try.

 We need to not desire bad things. Be willing to forgo our wants. Care enough to lay aside our preferences.

  We need to have enough desire to improve, but not our every desire.