1 Peter 2:1-3(NLT) “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.”
Our three kids, Caedmon, Sammy, and Karis, each have unique and distinct personalities, which began showing up early. Karis, our youngest, came out of the womb making a lot of noise. In the hospital within hours of her birth, I had to put her down for a minute while I helped Stacie. Shortly after, I heard a strange noise that sounded like a constant, low-grade grunt. I asked Stacie, “Do you hear that?” I walked over to Karis, and she was grunting in frustration. I picked her up to see if it would stop, and sure enough, it did. She’s been making noises and talking since. You never had to guess if she was hungry or needed something because, even as a newborn, she would find a way to let us know.
In this passage, Peter gives us the image of craving spiritual milk like a newborn baby. He even says to “cry out” to be nourished like a baby cries out for the nourishment from her mother.
God works with our desires. The Psalmist wrote, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). God wants to know what you want for your life. Jesus frequently asked people, “What do you want me to do for you?”
I’ve found in my journey of faith that it’s not easy to just “get rid of” evil behavior. It’s pretty much been 25 years straight of walking with Jesus for this middle-aged man. All these years later, I thought I would have been done with a lot of my “behaviors.” I still lose my temper, say things I have to apologize for, put my needs before others, and find myself pulled to distractions.
I wrote in my journal this morning, “I want to be done with anger.” Peter says, “BE DONE!” I just honestly find it a lot easier to say, “BE DONE!” than to live done. Let’s get real for a moment. What is the thing to which you need to say, “I’M DONE”? Maybe it’s gossip, maybe it’s tearing others down, perhaps it’s jealousy of everyone else who succeeds, or maybe you struggle with insecurity, greed, or an addiction. Go ahead and write it down right now… “I’m done with __________.”
Alright, for those of you who don’t like to be told what to do and you decided you wouldn’t write it down. I know you Enneagram 8s… “You can’t tell me what to do.” You’re right; I can’t make you do it. So maybe I should say, “You might consider writing it down, I think it would help you.” 🙂
Sadly, so many of us have learned to rely on lesser things to keep us going—things like candy or Netflix. We munch on trash in the news, the gossip with our friends, stupid TikTok videos that pollute our minds, or allow harmful attitudes to take up residence in our minds.
The only way to get rid of that trash is to crave a better source of nutrition. The pure spiritual milk of God’s word and the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Life from God, life about God, and life with God.
Today is the day to crave it, to seek it, to pursue the heart of God like never before!! Like a little baby who cries out, I pray you would let your voice rise up to heaven like a fire from your bones that consumes you. Oh GOD, I WANT YOU! MORE OF YOU! YOUR POWER YOUR PRESENCE, and YOUR LIFE TO FILL ME! YOUR BREATH IN MY LUNGS!
Jesus, I want you more than fame, more than riches, more than attention from my friends, more than a better job, more than a nicer house. Lord, I want you more than I want COVID to be over. I want you.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill your people today with your presence. Lead us back to Jesus. Give us a hunger for the Word of God and make us HOLY! Help us rid ourselves of everything that defiles us and help us discover the life you’ve created us to live. Help us today to taste and see that you are good. To taste your kindness and let it be the nourishment of our souls.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
I’m done with gaining weight in Shelter In Place!
That’s a beautiful share and message Pastor thank you!
-I’m done with the fear of failing.
I’m done with jealousy of others success!
I’m done letting my ego get in the way
I am done with wanting control and security
I am done with putting other things before God and letting my emotions control my actions.
Love this. God, thank you for the cravings and desires to want to know more of you and for showing me what I need to be done with.
Lord empty me of everything it’s not pleasing to you and fill me instead with your power and presence..
I’m done with jealousy of what others have, I’m done with anger towards my children. Lord, filled me with Holy Spirit that bears fruits.
Lord help me to crave your word, your presence and your Spirit more than I crave obedient children, or approval from others or recognition.
Dear Father God I am done with worring about things that I have no control over weather it be money, home or the current situtation. I crave your love and surrender everyworry to you
I am done letting myself having a victim mentality.
I’m done with not giving my wife my full attention when she is trying to talk to me.
I am done with fear of disappointing others or receiving sharp criticism. I want to embrace who God has made me to be and fight the urge to hide or water myself down.
Be done with my Anger , Thank you Pastor
I’m done with anger and overeating so Holy Spirit fill me and Let me recognize it as sin and
Accomplish for me self control! Amen!
Pastor Andy please go back to my comments the last 6 days ☺️
Done being fearful of COVID and being angry at my roommate who keeps going outside and not sheltering in.
I’m done with worrying about my future. I put my trust in god in that he has a plan for my life. Amen
I’m done with expectations from man.
I’m done with insecurity and seeking the approval of others! Jesus, I want to long only for your approval so I can love others from it!!
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.