What? Lusting is good? Wait just a cotton-picking’ minute! Has the preacher gone mad? That’s right, some lusting is good; however, I am not talking about sensual, sexual lusting, but craving for the word of God. The Greek word translated “lust” is also translated “desire or to long for.” The word is good or bad depending on the context. Longing for the word of God so that you can grow in your faith is a good thing… a great thing.
One of the most “delicious demands” Peter gave his readers in the 1st century was “…like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to your salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of God” (1 Peter 2:2-3). Most scholars of the New Testament concur that Peter is writing to relatively new Christians. Spending quality time and quantity time in the word of God was very necessary for their spiritual growth. Although this is true for new Christians, it is equally true for Christians of every age. Time in the word of God translates into spiritual growth if accompanied with faithful submission to Jesus as Lord.
Another “luscious lifeline” to spiritual growth is found in attending every service possible at Walnut Hill Church of Christ. I exhort you to commit Sundays and Wednesdays to your schedule. If you have children, it is even doubly important that you are here to eat and drink the word of God into your life with Christ.
The truth of the matter is that devoted disciples make time to be in the word because they crave to know God’s love, His will for their lives, and the hope of life eternal in heaven. Let’s never lust so much after this life that our priorities show we spend our time somewhere other than in the word of God. Committed Christians “lust” to be closer to Christ, and they know the amount of time they spend in the word is proportionately related to that relationship in Christ.
Mike