Mark 4:19b
”…and the desires for other things choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Our world is truly choking up! The earth tremor experienced in Accra and over 400 other cities across the world two nights ago, attests to this fact. The Bible says for we know that the whole creation groans and labours with birth pangs until now.(Rom 8:22). Yes, in as much as this world is being choked up by pollution, corruption and greed, Jesus warns us of one more hazard that chokes the word of God in our lives: the desire for other things.

Trust me, the unbridled desire for things can really be hazardous to your spiritual health.

I can think of a few for the purposes of this study.

— The desire for fame.
“And they said, let us build ourselves a city…whose top is in the heavens; let’s make a name for ourselves”.
(Gen 11:4). Are you more concerned with the number of likes and following you have on social media, do you crave more for popularity than integrity? Is it more about you, than about God? Watch out it’s a choking hazard!

— The desire for power.
People will go every and any extent to get power. They will not shirk from pulling others down, shedding their blood and consulting mediums. Unfortunately the church has not been left out of this. There are many ‘Simon the sorcerors and Balaams’ in the pulpit than you can imagine.

— The desire for sex
This natural desire where unchecked, has choked many out of their destiny. I call it the sex drive without a driver.

Dear friend, the list is inexhaustive. Jesus said be careful of all kinds of greed (Luke 12:15).

Today I pray for you, that the Lord will take away any unhealthy desire or craving from your heart.

“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37: 4)

Please Don’t choke!

Further reading : Gen 11:1-9.