“Passions and Patience”

Galatians 5:24” Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” When young children want something and they can’t have immediately, it often becomes their unrelenting focus. They persistently ask for new toys, experiences, or additional treats, perhaps even throwing a tantrum when their request is denied. If we’re honest, there are times we behave like that with God. During the early days of the church, the word passion referred to these persistent, uncontrolled desires of the flesh that draw us away from God. When Paul wrote to the Galatians, this is exactly what he wanted them to remember—that to belong to Jesus means that these passions have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20; Gal. 5:24). We deal with harmful desires by taking slow, measured steps away from them and toward the Lord. It’s only as we relinquish our passions and retrain our focus that we’ll realize our fulfillment comes from Christ alone. But remember, you don’t have to get there all at once. It takes patience to surrender your passions and actively seek the Lord. Think about it . Throughout the day, notice what things you’re attached to by asking, “What holds my attention most of the time? “Consider writing them down or discussing them with a trusted friend. And be aggressive by renouncing them if they don’t draw you near to God, they quench the fire in you for reading the Bible, having a life of prayer, having fellowship with other believers, or changing your priorities. Be an overcomer not a victim of them. A crucified Christian cannot be controlled or dominated by the pleasures and desires. What pleasures and desires can a crucified Christian have ? Remember the sinful nature must be crucified everyday so the divine nature could live. But it’s our own choice.