Control Your Cravings Series

But.. there’s a better way- a better choice. And that is to make an irrevocable decision that you want more than anything, to follow Jesus Christ and then you don’t look back. That doesn’t mean you’ll be perfect but you make that choice and you never waver on who you want to be. And here’s the truth that a number of us in this room will tell you. When you make following Jesus Christ your top priority, all kinds of things fall into place. Your family, because the Bible tells us to take care of them above everyone else. Your work, because the Bible tells us that a worker deserves his wage. Your personal relationships, because the Bible tells us to treat others like we want to be treated. My prayer for you is that you will say like Joshua of old. He said: "So, honor the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever your idols... But, if you are unwilling to serve the Lord then decide today who you will serve... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15-17 NLT) And no mistake, God will let us choose. There’s no force here. But the 1st step, in controlling your cravings, is to make a once and for all choice, identify what you will value above all else.

Then, secondly, implement those values. It’s not enough to just say what I want first in my life, you need to begin concrete changes that reflect that desire. For example, if you are sitting there today saying, “I say I want to give my family my priority but I’m actually cheating on them for work.” Then sit down today and talk with your spouse and setup a schedule. Schedule regularly a date night, a family day, put it on your calendar as your most important appointment and let nothing takes it’s place. Maybe you need to go in and talk to your employer. Say, “I’ve gotten into a bad habit and it’s hurting my family, can we talk about how I might be able to adjust my work schedule?” You may be surprised how many people, including your boss, relate to your problem. If you decide that you haven’t given God His due then schedule a daily or at least weekly quiet time. Call us and ask for books to read or study. Make a commitment with your family like Joshua. “We’re going to honor God above all because He’s honored us by giving us so many blessings, so here’s what we’re going to do. We’re not missing church unless their an emergency, we’re going to have a family devotion time... etc., etc.” Do you see the point? Begin to make some concrete plans to implement the values you say you want as the most important.

Then one more thing. Involve God in your values. Look through this passage and see how James suggests we do that. In vs:2 he says, “Ask God for help.” "You do not get things because you do not ask for them." Now, he’s not suggesting that God become our magic Genie. He’s saying, “Listen, God wants your best so involve him in your desires.” You know what I’ve found? When I talk to God about having things often He’ll rearrange my priorities even during my prayer. Talking to Him about what I desire often makes me think about what I really need over what I think I want.