3. The quality and depth of my desire are more important than the effort I make.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

Make a list of what you really want in life.

Review your list, then say why you want these things.

What do you really want, even long for, that cannot be touched and isn’t physical?

What do your desires and wants say about you?

Invite the Spirit to show you some good desires to have, ones that Jesus would want for you. Reflect on what you sense.

The main idea in this statement is that when transformation happens, it should be initiated and guided by our true desires and not done out of a sense of obligation. The human will--the place deep inside of us that makes choices, sometimes called the heart or spirit--is ultimately what guides our decisions and actions. But our will is influenced by our desires and so, indirectly, our desires shape everything about us.

Our desires are complex and complicated. They can be influenced by a host of external factors including culture, family, and friends. They are also inspired by internal factors including our bodies, minds, ego, fears, beliefs, and personalities. And it is important to know that God’s Spirit can also guide our desires.

When faced with complex and competing desires, the will can be overwhelmed. At times, the will may just shut down and let the body or the mind make the choice. Habits and addictions happen when the will stops choosing. It is especially critical, then, to notice and filter our desires, to think about them, understand their consequences, and evaluate the potential for goodness that they possess. The best way to do this is under the influence and guidance of Jesus, through His Spirit.

Over time, the quality and goodness of our Spirit-guided desires will begin to shape our lives, possessions, bodies, and our relationships with others and God. What, then, makes a good desire? Even though we may not always know all the outcome of our desires, we can know the motive that helps shape them.

If our desires are motivated by selfishness, fear, pride, envy, or physical pleasure, we can expect that they will lead to unhealthy outcomes. If, on the other hand, our desires come from a source of love—for others, for God, for God’s creation, or even a for our own wellbeing—then the results will typically turn out for good.

The transformation of our souls does require effort, and our efforts must be guided by the Spirit that lives within us and influenced by the goodness of our desires.