The hidden compulsions in our hearts

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:14-15

It’s always easier to avoid a trap than to climb out of one.

Most of us know to try to avoid the big temptations: cheating on our spouse, stealing at work, lying to our family, being controlled by our anger.

However, it can be more challenging to identify the hidden compulsions that infiltrate our hearts and minds. 

Many of the traps that lure men are not evil things, but good things misused or misdirected. 

• Lust is a misdirection of a God-given desire for union and intimacy.
• Greed and materialism are misuses of godly work and calling.
• Gluttony or drunkenness is the gift of nourishment or celebration taken too far.

Even objectively healthy things, like exercise or therapy or relationships, can become a compulsion when we use them to numb out or avoid the deeper work of healing.

That’s why a practice of inviting God into the deepest parts of our souls is so transformative.

When we invite Jesus in, He will begin to gently reveal to us parts of our hearts that are out of balance.

There is no guilt or shame in this process—just the loving guidance of a God who knows us better than we know ourselves and who walks with us on our journey towards wholeness.