MY HEART’S DESIRE

In our current day and time, when the word “desire” is considered, its meaning generally revolves around having a strong wish or want for something for ourselves. Yet, for the Christian, our heart’s desire should be for the welfare of others (Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 10:24), especially for the spiritual well-being of our fellow man.  Take note of the following verses of Scripture that encourage us in this desire. 

To the saints at Rome we read the following from the apostle Paul: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1).  He wanted their zeal for God directed toward the righteous will of the Father, not after their own righteousness (vs. 2-4).

As we look to 1 Timothy 2 and 2 Peter 2, we also see that God’s desire (as ours should be as well) was for the salvation of mankind.  Paul tells us in his first letter to Timothy that God “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).  In similar fashion, Peter states that “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Taking these examples to heart, may we have greater focus on the salvation of the precious souls who need to hear the gospel of Christ.  As we once again read from Paul in the first Corinthian letter, “just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Corinthians 10:33).