Sometimes we desire something just because it looks good and we think that it will meet some need we have. Other times we just want something out of greed and selfishness.
In the Bible, Judges 14 tells a story about Sampson, the strong man. You have probably heard the famous story of Sampson and Delilah. The Judges 14 story occurred before his problems with Delilah. Sampson went to the land of the Philistines, Israel’s enemy and oppressors. While in this land he saw a woman that he desired. He told his parents, “Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes.”
As the story goes, this woman betrays Sampson to his enemies and the betrayal costs him a lot of money, which he obtains through a mass murder. Then he gives his wife to a friend.
What went wrong in Sampson’s life? It all started with his eyes. He saw something that looked good to him and desire was formed to such a degree that he had to have it, no matter the consequences. The desire became an out of control passion that ultimately led to murder.
God warns us about how our eyes can focus on selfish desires and lead us to destruction. Proverbs 16:2-3 says, “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” The desires formed through our eyes can mislead us. God judges our hearts. The way to make sure we are not misled is by subjecting our hearts and plans to God.
Reluctant Retiree 