What Do You Want? Discovering God's Order for Our Desires
We live in a world of disordered desires. Sometimes the church has wrongly taught that desire itself is evil, but the truth is we all have desires that are good, healthy, and God-given. The question isn't whether we should have desires, but rather: What do we want, and in what order are we pursuing these things?
The Universal List: What Americans Want Most
A recent study revealed the five things Americans want most from life:
Close relationships with friends and family
Financial security
Purpose and meaningful work
Happiness, peace and mental well-being
Freedom and autonomy
These aren't bad desires. In fact, they're natural and God-given longings. Yet despite pursuing these good things, nearly one in five adults is currently being treated for depression - almost double what it was ten years ago. The statistics are even worse for younger generations.
Why Are We Struggling Despite Pursuing Good Things?
The problem isn't that we want the wrong things. The problem is that we pursue good things in the wrong order. We also tend to say we want things until it's time to sacrifice for them. We want six-pack abs but not the required diet. We want close relationships but fear the rejection that comes with initiating. We want restored family relationships but won't sacrifice the pride required to make it happen.
Jesus' Question to His First Disciples
In John chapter 1, we see Jesus asking his first disciples a profound question: "What do you want?" This wasn't a casual inquiry - it was an invitation to examine their deepest longings and motivations.
These disciples likely wanted the same things we want: security, relationships, purpose, and meaning. Living under oppressive Roman rule, they probably expected Jesus to be a conquering king who would give them a better life according to their definition of success.
What Changed After Three Years with Jesus?
Something remarkable happened to these disciples. In the book of Acts, we see them facing arrest, persecution, stoning, and even execution for their faith. What transformed them from people seeking personal comfort to individuals willing to sacrifice everything?
They developed a relationship with Jesus that proved his trustworthiness. They discovered a calling so much greater than self-gratification that it reordered their entire lives. They learned that Jesus wasn't just there to improve their circumstances - he was there to give them abundant, purposeful life.
Seeking First the Kingdom of God
In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches us the proper order for our desires. He doesn't condemn our needs for food, clothing, or security. Instead, he says:
"Seek the kingdom of God above all else and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." - Matthew 6:33
When we place Jesus first in our lives, something beautiful happens:
We become healthier people, leading to closer relationships
Our security shifts from bank accounts to the One who owns everything
We discover our unique, God-given purpose
We experience joy (not just happiness) as a gift of the Holy Spirit
We find true freedom from sin, brokenness, and toxic environments
Overcoming Doubt Through Decision
Doubt often holds us back from experiencing the fullness of life Jesus offers. But here's a powerful truth: God doesn't work in doubts - He works in decisions. This doesn't mean we eliminate all doubt before acting. It means we make decisions about what God is leading us to do in spite of our doubts.
The Promise of Provision
Jesus didn't promise that if we put Him first, everything would be easy or go our way. He promised that when we seek first His kingdom, everything we need will be provided. There's a crucial difference between getting everything we want and receiving everything we need.
The disciples didn't live easy lives after following Jesus, but they lived the most fulfilling lives possible. They discovered that walking in the center of God's will, even through difficulty, brings greater satisfaction than any self-centered pursuit.
Life Application
This week, honestly examine what you're truly seeking first in your life. Are you pursuing good things in the wrong order? Take time to pray and ask Jesus to reorder your desires according to His kingdom priorities.
Consider these questions:
What am I actually putting first in my life - my comfort, security, or Jesus?
What good desires am I pursuing that might be out of order?
What would it look like practically to "seek first the kingdom of God" in my daily decisions?
What doubts are holding me back from fully trusting Jesus with my life?
If you've never made a commitment to follow Jesus, consider praying simply: "Jesus, if you're real, would you show me?" He will respond to that honest prayer. You don't need to understand everything about following Jesus to take that first step of faith.
Remember, Jesus loves you so much that even before creating humanity, knowing we would sin and require His death and resurrection, He still chose to create us. That's how deeply He desires a relationship with you.
