What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

— James 4:1

Desires are thoughts. Sadly, they often begin with the words of our two-year-old selves: “I want that!” We can easily think, for example, “I want a car (or a house) like that.” Or, “I wanted the job he got.” I want, I want, I want.Not all of our desires are bad, but many are. If we want something that belongs to others or if we want something at the expense of others, that is typically wrong. Pleasure and enjoyment are great blessings, but if we seek such things only for selfish reasons, that can be wrong too. We can easily deceive ourselves into thinking, “I should have that . . . and why shouldn’t I?” Our desires can cause battles within us.How do we know if what we want is right or wrong? We can take it to God in prayer. And if we think, “I can’t possibly ask God for that,” it is probably a wrongful desire.We can also have lots of good desires, though. We may want our children to do well in school. We may want our friend’s marriage to be saved. We may want our church to grow. God is pleased when we ask for good things like these with the right motives.As we think about our desires, let’s focus on those that can bring about good for our neighbors, family, and friends. Let’s think about what can bring growth in God’s kingdom throughout the world. Things like these are in line with the desires of God’s heart.

Lord, may you be our hearts’ desire. May we desire your good for ourselves and for others. May we share the joy of having life with you so that others may enjoy that too. Amen.