Sinful Desires

 The Apostle Peter is clear: life on this earth is spiritual warfare. And the battle? It rages within — our sinful desires. Too often, we miss this. We think the enemy is “out there” somewhere, but Peter reminds us: the conflict is right here.

What are sinful desires? Beyond the obvious — greed, pride, lust, selfishness — it can be summed up in three words: me, myself, and I. At the root of it all is self-gratification. And when that root is exposed, laid bare before God, the error of our ways comes into the light. Peter knew this well, and that is why he begins by anchoring us in God's mercies. We are not left hopeless! God has caused us to be born again into a living hope — through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

And so, let me say this clearly: I am speaking to those who have tasted that mercy.

But beware of the victim mentality. It is a trap — a deadly one. The world is filled with such traps, with its psychobabble and its “woe is me” mindset. The struggle is real, but let us not deceive ourselves. Our sisters especially are in the line of fire, being targeted daily by these lies. That is why we must stand together, grounded on the WORD, upholding them with prayer and support.

Peter points us beyond our trials to our hope — heaven and all its glory. That’s the endgame! Yet trials are unavoidable. And here’s the truth: no one enjoys them, especially when we’re unprepared. But let us not forget — what pushes hardest against our hope is not just the trial itself, but our sinful desires. They whisper relief. They promise escape. But it is fleeting — temporary.

There is a better way. Peter doesn’t sugarcoat it: be holy, as God is holy. That is the bar. That is the mindset. Holiness is the goal. Trials will come, but they are opportunities to find grace… or to fail.

Here’s the danger: if we misunderstand the theory, we cannot live out the practice. Fail to grasp this truth, and you’ll fail the test every time. No reward comes without trial. Scripture prepares us for this:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12–13)

This isn’t strange. This isn’t random. It’s the way of Christ.

Let this sink in. Meditate on it. Chew it like a cow chews the cud — slowly, repeatedly — until it becomes nourishment for your soul.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

Suffering is not failure. Suffering is the test. And grace is the power to endure it. When the struggle feels overwhelming, remember this simple truth: this too will pass.

Here is my conclusion: we face two options. We can surrender to our old ways and live like we once did, or we can find the grace to overcome. It begins in the mind. The world says: “Dig up the past. Blame your parents, your childhood, your circumstances.” But God says: Forget what is behind. Press forward.

And with that, I leave you with Paul’s words, which echo down through the ages with strength and clarity:

“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12–14)

Keep pressing on, and love to all who confess Jesus as Lord

Signing off

Tyrone