I am thankful for this reminder that we cannot simply stop seeking worldly desire and be morally good. I believe this is a lie that many have believed. Furthermore, it is a lie which prevails in our society today. To do good is to be good…didn’t Socrates say this? While this certainly does not encompass the whole of the text we read, it does point out the shortcomings one has when seeking moral high ground on their own, outside of the heart transformation (sanctification). I think it is of utmost importance to realize that we cannot, should not, stop desiring this or that in hopes that this will lead to some sort of sanctification. While it may be a start, it is wholly insufficient to achieve holiness.
The heart was created to desire something. Just what that thing is can vary from worldiness to godliness. But it must be something. To lack desire is to lack satisfaction or belonging. It is true we must seek out good things rather than bad things to appear morally astute. However, morally astute will fall short of holiness in the eyes of God.
This is a high command of the Lord that not only do we cease our affections for the lowly, we replace them with new affections for Christ and His Kingdom. In the heart, this will begin with a new pure and perfect love for God. Henceforth, the mind and body will follow. This replacement of affection is exactly what Paul teaches in Ephesians 4. There is a transformation of mind required to seeking sanctification. This process begins by completely putting off the world and putting on the things of God. Therefore, it is not effective to simply stop pursuing the world. That would leave a man in a dull, worried and sad state. But replacing our desires, by the power of the Holy Spirit, with the things of God is the effective way to pursue righteousness, holiness and promote growth.
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