WHAT DO YOU WANT?
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1:1-4,6
Luke 16:19-31
What do you desire the most in life? This is a very personal question, and you cannot afford to lie about it. What do you believe that if it comes to you, you are satisfied and your life is made; you are contented and at peace? This question is important because whatever we fix our heart on conditions our thoughts, our choices and our decisions. It conditions the compromises we are willing to make and accept even if we don’t like them because of what we hope to receive. What do you want?
I just read the story of the Rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Look at the condition of the Rich man in hell and the fact that he was still making demands. Listen to what he says: “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” At face value, you will not see the problem. But when you look closely, you will observe that this rich man still thinks that Lazarus is the same man who used to sit and beg at his gate. Abraham tries to discourage him, telling him that Lazarus is no longer his servant. In short, levels have changed. The Rich man still insists, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” He is still thinking of Lazarus as his slave. Because he was selfish on earth, he remained selfish in hell.
This reminds us of what hell is really about. It is a perfect state of rejection of God’s love and the love of our neighbour, which is the consequence of our free will and rejection of God while on earth. Once in hell, you cannot renegotiate the terms of your relationship with God. The Lord says this: "A curse on the man who puts his trust in man, who relies on things of flesh, whose heart turns from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:5). If your desire is evil, you will be evil. If your heart is set on evil, you are an evil person. But if your heart is set on good, and it is place in God, you desire nothing more than to do the will of God, to be a child of God, then you will be good—you are blessed.
"A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope” (Jeremiah 17:6).
What have you set your heart upon? Your blessing or curse depends on the fixation of your heart—either on God or on creatures. Do not hope to get something good by doing evil. Even if you attain some measure of success by evil means, the end of it all is destruction. Your financial status is not the issue. Poor people can be evil, and rich people can become saints. Lazarus means “the Lord is my helper”. Is God your helper? God’s blessings rest on a heart that seeks Him above all else. Task: Say one decade each for 5 persons whom God places in your heart.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, set my heart on You and on pleasing You by your words, thoughts and actions. Help me to trust You with all my desires and in all my struggles. Give me discernment and courage to do away with anything that you disapprove. Make me pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
Eternal Father, may the thoughts and desires of our hearts not become the source of our downfall. In all things, may I desire to please you, to help my neighbours and to give glory to You, for You alone deserve my worship, and my life is Yours through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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