A Desire for the Good

“Therefore we pray always for you that our God may count you worthy of His calling and mightily fill you with all desire for the good, and work in faith.” 2 Thess. 1:11.

Having a desire for the good is the complete opposite of bondage. Many people strive in their prayers, saying, “Fill me and use me!” People want to be something in God’s kingdom, and so they compare themselves to others. If they think they are not faring so well by comparison, they lose courage. Why do they lose courage? Because they do not think they are becoming a “somebody.” That is not what is meant by “a desire for the good.”

A soccer player who has intentions of making the national team has a desire to play soccer, but his motivating force is his reputation. If he does not succeed in making the national team he is tempted to give up.

But the one who just likes to play soccer, he goes on playing soccer. He does not think about playing on the national team; he just plays. Perhaps he is not as good, but he does not want to be a “somebody” either. He is not tempted to lose courage—not at all! He just plays because he likes to play. He will most likely never make the national team, but no one can hinder him from playing soccer. He has a desire to play, and he plays and is happy and satisfied.

This is also how it should be with us when it comes to doing good. We have a desire for the virtues of Christ. We do not seek a position. No one can hinder us; we just “play”—we simply continue to exercise ourselves in the fear of God—in the virtues of Christ. It goes badly with us but it goes better with the others. Well, then we have examples to follow. The fact that it is not going so well with us does not cause us any great inner conflicts. Not at all! We have a desire for the good; we simply continue to exercise ourselves in the virtues of Christ. What else should we do? We have abundant opportunity to exercise ourselves, and we live a glorious and happy life.

It is fairly certain that such soccer players will gain a berth on the national team, because natural abilities play an important role in these matters. Yet it is certain that the one whose great desire is to do good will be along in the rapture, because God looks at the heart and gives grace, so our human abilities mean nothing. Satan does not have any power over such people.