The Land of Appetite

At every crossroads, our hearts reveal what they hunger for. One path promises more of the world, while the other leads to the One who alone can truly satisfy.

Appetite! What comes to mind when you hear this word?

Most people think of food, hunger, or cravings.  Although the terms appetite and craving are used interchangeably, they are not the same. 

Appetite is a natural desire to satisfy a legitimate need that supports healthy living.  We are designed with appetites for food, rest, and connection.  All people have an appetite because we are human, but appetites should be balanced and regulated for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Even scripture encourages us to have a “hunger and thirst for justice” (NLT, Matthew 5:6).

Our appetites influence our priorities, our decisions, and ultimately the direction of our lives. If we have no appetite for something, we are unlikely to pursue it. Healthy appetites cause us to pursue healthy habits.

A craving, however, is different. It is an intense, persistent desire for a specific person or thing often fueled by emotion rather than need. Cravings can arise suddenly and are often difficult to resist. Just ask any woman who experienced pregnancy cravings; she can attest to their power. There is nothing inherently wrong with natural desire. In fact, desire is part of how God created us, but when our desires become detached from God's purposes they shape us in unhealthy ways.

Living in a time of abundance presents its own challenge. Compared with much of the world, the Western society has access to an extraordinary amount of food, entertainment, possessions, and opportunities. While prosperity is a blessing, it also creates the temptation for idolatry and living in excess. When "more" becomes our default, overconsumption quietly replaces contentment.

Over the past year, several personal and professional transitions reshaped my own appetite. Some desires diminished while others grew stronger. As my appetite changed, so did my pursuits. I found myself placing greater value on purpose than status, stewardship over accumulation, and relationships over relentless productivity.

What we pursue depends on our appetite and our willingness to discipline unhealthy habits and ungodly cravings. In James 1:14 we are reminded, "Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away."  Left unchecked, unhealthy desires and cravings can lead to ungodly conduct and unwise decisions, so the Apostle Paul warns us to “put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.  Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust and evil desires.  Do not be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world” (NLT, Colossians 3:5).

As believers, our appetites were never meant to glorify excess, despite living in a culture of wanting more and never satisfied. Restraint and patience are prudent even when they are not popular. We must wait on the Lord and there is always temptation in the waiting.

I find it interesting that our culture often celebrates excess in food, sports, entertainment, wealth, achievement, or material possessions. Yet when someone pursues Christ with wholehearted devotion, that same level of commitment is sometimes viewed as excessive or "too much."  People claim, “it doesn’t take all that!”

Society rarely questions overindulgence in the things of this world, but it often becomes uncomfortable with worship, complete obedience, and living holy.  The believers’ pursuit of God should never be measured by the world's standards. There is no such thing as loving, serving, or seeking Christ too much.

Recently, I heard a familiar song by Tye Tribbett called “Craving,” and the lyrics struck me differently this time.

“My soul is reaching out for You, so in desperate need of You, You are my craving and desire. I hunger and thirst for You, only You can fill me up, less of me and more of You.”

These words are a prayer, a cry of any heart that realizes how much we need Christ in every area of our lives today.

The song concludes with a simple, yet powerful request: “Draw near to us, come closer as we come close to You.”

God desires to be with us, but do we desire to be with Him.

Do we live with an appetite for Jesus or do other things consume us?

Consider: What are you truly hungry for?

Our appetites shape the direction of our lives.

What we consistently pursue reveals what we truly value. Healthy appetites draw us toward Christ and cultivate lives marked by contentment, wisdom, and obedience. Unchecked cravings, however, gradually pull our hearts toward things that can never satisfy.

Take a moment to reflect:

What are you truly hungry for, and what does that reveal about the direction of your life?

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Identity first. Integrity always. Lead intentionally.