LeMonique

The human quest "to be good"
drives virtually everything we do. In order to maximize pleasure in life, we must distinguish between "material good" and "spiritual good."

"WANTS" AND "DESIRES"

The struggle to do good stems from the two conflicting inclinations in every human being. A person has two characteristics: one that loves to do the right thing, and one that prefers to be selfish. You need to develop an awareness of the struggle going on inside you. For example:

• You want to use your time effectively, versus you feel like commanding others.
• You want to eat healthily, versus you feel like poisoning God's temple: your body.
• You want wisdom, versus you feel like not maximizing your performance.

"Want" is for permanence. It is rooted in reality. "Desire" is for the moment, with little regard for future consequence. It is an escape. This conflict is between your body and your soul.

Your eternal soul seeks permanence. It wants to do all the right things: to love humanity, seek justice, be sensible, honorable and responsible. Your soul strives to fulfill its potential. Meanwhile, your body, which is destined for the grave, seeks satisfaction for the moment. Drawn by comfort and effortlessness, it wants to eat, to sleep, to lust.

You know, it's not right to refuse to take out the garbage, and your heart really wants to be good. But your other heart, the heart of desire, would rather stay inside where it's warm, reading a book in comfort. Even as you're reading this, your soul is nudging you: "Pay attention -- this will make me great!" But your body contradicts: "All this hard work and concentration is too painful. I was doing just fine the way I was before!"

With every decision, the two clash and create a dilemma. To be triumphant in the battle to be good, you have to focus on your innate desire to be good! Remind yourself each morning that you want to be good, and don't let that consciousness lay fallow. Make it part of your mindset, and you'll see an observable effect throughout your day.