Desire

Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualima

DESIRE

Desire isn’t random or pointless—it’s the engine that moves your life forward. Desire starts with will, meaning what you choose to want and act on matters a lot. “Where does desire originate? Will.” (262-62) That’s why this lesson doesn’t start with big spiritual ideas. It starts with real life—what people want physically, mentally, and emotionally—and then shows how those desires can grow into something better instead of controlling you.

Physical desire is about the body. Hunger, comfort, attraction, rest—these are normal parts of being human. The problem isn’t having physical desires; it’s when they take over. When someone uses their will only to satisfy themselves, those desires can turn selfish and unhealthy. The lesson explains that when physical wants are used “for the aggrandizement of self,” they become material desires that shrink the soul instead of helping it grow. (262-63) Being in a physical body also means dealing with limits and problems—pain, sickness, and stress are part of life here. That doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong; it just means you’re human. (262-62)

Mental desire is about what you think about and focus on. This includes goals, dreams, opinions, and how you see yourself compared to others. Your mind is powerful—it builds your habits and shapes your future. That’s why the lesson says, “That which the mind of a soul dwells upon it becomes; for mind is the builder.” (262-63) If you’re always thinking about proving yourself, being better than others, or getting attention, those thoughts start running your life. But when your mind focuses on learning, helping, and growing, it becomes a tool for something higher.

Spiritual desire is when your wants line up with something bigger than yourself. It doesn’t mean ignoring your body or turning off your brain. It means choosing a higher reason behind what you want. Jesus is given as the example. Even when He was afraid and didn’t want to suffer, He prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” (262-64) That’s the heart of spiritual desire—trusting God’s purpose even when things are hard or confusing. The lesson doesn’t say you won’t struggle; it says your desire can be lifted instead of ruled by fear.

Prayer shows what you really want. Some people say, “If God already knows what I need, why ask?” But the lesson answers that clearly: asking reveals your desire. “The very act shows what the desire is.” (262-64) Prayer isn’t just about getting stuff—it’s about being honest with yourself and God. And when answers don’t come right away, the reminder is that they come “in their proper time, in their proper place.” (262-62) Learning patience is part of growing up spiritually.

How do I know if what I want is selfish or good? The lesson says the answer is inside you. First, be honest with yourself. Then listen deeper. “My Spirit beareth witness with thy spirit.” (262-64) If what you want is mostly about ego, attention, or payback, it’ll feel heavy and restless. If it’s about helping, loving, or doing what’s right, it brings peace—even if it’s hard.

The lesson also talks about anger and revenge, because those are strong desires. Wanting to hurt someone back is real—but it doesn’t have to control you. Jesus taught that turning the other cheek isn’t weakness; it’s strength. Doing that is called “spiritualizing the desire for vengeance.” (262-65) You’re not pretending the pain didn’t happen—you’re choosing not to let anger poison who you are.

None of this works if it stays as ideas. The lesson keeps repeating that growth only happens when you apply what you know. “Apply, then, that thou hast received.” (262-64) You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to live honestly and bring something real from your own experience. That’s why the lesson challenges people to stop talking and start living: “Have something to give!” (262-62)

Desire is powerful. It can lead to amazing good—or serious harm. That’s why the lesson says desire can create “miracles or crimes.” (262-71) The turning point is choosing who’s in charge of your desire: ego or God. When you meet God honestly within yourself and make that choice, desire starts working for you instead of against you. The simple prayer that holds the whole lesson together is this: “Here am I, Lord, use me.” (262-65)

When desire is shaped this way, life changes. You stop chasing approval and start caring about impact. You stop trying to win and start trying to help. Desire becomes less about getting what you want and more about becoming who you’re meant to be. The lesson ends with this reminder: “Hold the Christ before thee, ever.” (262-64) When you do that, your wants don’t disappear—but they grow up, and they start pointing your life in the right direction.