The first temptation (Matt 4:1-3) Satan said to Jesus who had been fasting without food for 40 days, “… tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus responded to Satan’s suggestion in a way different than what would be expected. He didn’t tell Satan to leave him alone instead He in essence told his own body’s hunger to leave Him alone.

Satan was pointing at the desires of the flesh to tempt Jesus and each time Jesus rebutted by turning away from his own flesh and its desires and needs.

Graham Kerr has been reported to say that the biggest problem with the West is it’s compulsion to ‘Upgrade’ everything (very paraphrased). Almost all of us are driven to upgrade our cars, computers, homes, boats, and the list goes on. For others of us it is more subtle, where introspection and a driveness to care for ourselves takes all of our energy and focus.

The point is this, that, like Jesus, we should be fully submitted to God and not to our various wants, desires or rights. God calls everyone to forcefully lay aside their rights, desires and passions to follow Him.

It’s easy to see this call, to lay aside everything, as a burdensome weight of condemnation, but it’s not at all. Rather, it is an invitation to fulfillment and joy so nourishing that we overflow. It is losing our lives and then finding them in God.

Practically speaking it’s like this: When a thought / desire (every desire, for every single thing) comes to your mind, capture that thought / desire and submit it along with your life in full to Jesus. Then, learn to listen with your heart to God’s voice. And finally … Follow.