Desire is inherent in the human species. Think of it, we all desire something, whether it is a sinful or evil thing or a blessed and heavenly thing. We are lonely, so we desire companions. We are sad, so we desire encouragement. We are happy, so we desire to continue in it. When tired we desire rest. When satisfied we desire more. Desire is part of who we are. Even spiritual desire is a part of each of us—we all hope to “leave our mark” or have some kind of legacy. Even the most committed atheist or agnostic hopes to leave some evidence behind that he or she lived and breathed and did something worthy of note. That is a spiritual desire. We need to cultivate it, to encourage it, to nurture it.
What do you think?
Thanks for reading!
2 comments:
Sir,
Interesting post on desire. My question, what about men who become monks(like Thomas Merton)wouldn't their desires be on a more higher level than a mere human one?
By His Grace,
Tom Nezlo
Well, monks like Merton may well have a higher desire driving their actions, but it is not always true. I guess even something that seems spiritual can have a selfish intent. I would rather encourage a positive desire (even if it is slightly selfish) than a negative one, however. I guess in answer to your question, I'm not sure how to gauge the desires of monks as you noted. Some are no doubt acting on a spiritual impulse, but I'm not sure that they all are doing so.
Leo
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