By Not Known
Cravings are desires that leave us high and dry if they are not fulfilled. Cravings are capable of stirring our emotions, skewing our judgements, and influencing our behaviour usually in negative ways. Shopaholics chalk up huge credit card bills seeking security in things. Workaholics clock up long hours for that elusive sense of significance. Furthermore, there are dubious cravings such as addictions to drugs, gambling, drinking, pornography, etc. All cravings can eventually undermine healthy living, relationship with people and certainly with God.
The Bible warns of “the cravings of our sinful nature” (Eph 2:3). What are they? The apostle Paul gave a classic list in Romans 1:18-32 – atheism (v18), agnosticism (v21), idolatry (v23), sexual perversions (vv24-27), evil, greed, envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice, gossip, slander, hating God, insolence, arrogance, boastfulness, wickedness, disobedience of parents, senselessness, faithlessness, heartlessness and ruthlessness (vv29-31). Can anyone reading this list come away clean with a clear conscience?
By nature, we are predisposed to fall into a whole range of sins. Paul calls them cravings because they feed our fallen nature governed by Satan and nurtured by the ways of the world (Eph 2:2). Until drastic measures are taken to break them, we will find ourselves returning to that list of sins for the pick of the day. What’s your pick today? Didn’t you just have that?
Are you feeling confused and frustrated? Only the best gift from heaven can break the things that are second to our earthly nature. “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved” (Eph 2:5). God’s love, mercy and grace in Jesus are the best gift that has overcome the sinful nature and its cravings in us. Better still, it lasts forever! Crave God’s gift today, and make that your pick everyday.
Benson Goh