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Finally, inner passions are not a problem. As St. Paul clarifies, desire belongs also to the Spirit, or our spirit. Passion is simply inclined in a certain direction. The passion a man has for his wife is a holy desire and expresses the virtue of faithfulness: such is holiness. That same energy form directed toward someone outside the bonds of his marriage is lust and is faithlessness: such is profane. He has the capacity, if confronted with the two passions, as to which shall rule his life. This same applies with all passions, harmful and edifying.
Suggested Reflections
How are you nourishing the good desires within you? What good desires do you see becoming stronger in your life? What bad desires do you see growing weaker in your life? What desires would you like to see grow stronger? What spiritual practices do you use to nourish the desires toward good? What does it mean that spiritual practices are a means to participate with Grace?
*Brian K. Wilcox is a United Methodist pastor in Florida and offers OneLife Ministries to train in and encourage persons to lead a contemplative life as a means to sharing love, joy, and peace, and bringing healing to the world. Brian can be contacted at shalom77@embarqmail.com .
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