Worldly Cravings

“Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father.” (1 John 2:15 MSG)

Matt Talbot was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1856. He was an active alcoholic for 15 years. One day, Matt decided to quit drinking. The first seven years of his sobriety were especially hard as he had to avoid the places and people associated with his addiction. Matt Talbot fought the temptations he faced through prayer and charity to others. He led a simple, ascetic life until he died in 1925. 

What I find most interesting about Matt Talbot is his early years of sobriety. He struggled with temptations for seven years! I was thinking of my own dependencies and addictions. Like most people, I have indulged in all sorts of materialism. However, for the past few years, I have intentionally reduced my consumption of everything. Before I seek to gratify any desire, I ask myself: Is this the right thing to do? Will it hurt any person or animal? Will it damage the earth? Can I live without it? As a result of these filters to my desires, I have given up many comforts and habits. These days, I purchase only what is necessary. I avoid things that require shipping or packaging. I create very little trash. I use less electricity, water, and gasoline. I leave a minimal carbon footprint. I strive to live simply. Yet, I feel like I could relapse into my old habits easily. I am still at the stage of looking back at worldliness and feeling its pull. I am frequently tempted to take just a little puff of my old addictions; I am realizing that this struggle may continue for many years. 

“All they who live to the world are dead to God: we cannot in any way begin to live to God, unless we first die to the world.” (St. Robert Bellarmine)

What people considered desirable a few years ago has now become  trash. Self-gratification ceases to be satisfying after some time. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. All that the world has to offer is tempting:  admiration, affluence, pleasure, comfort, security, validation, thrilling experiences...but these things desensitize our spirits and isolate us from God. Unless we relinquish our baser instincts, we cannot start living out our higher calling.  Aligning ourselves to God’s purposes leads to a fulfilling, sustainable life. 

“This corrupt world is already wasting away, as are its selfish desires. But the person really doing God’s will—that person will never cease to be.” (1 John 2:17 VOICE)