I am disgusted by the way many women dress nowadays. More specifically at our church, this weekend I noticed countless women dressed like prostitutes. Walking along side their children, these sexually provoking hypocrites are seemingly clueless they are doing the devil’s work feeding a lustful desire deep rooted within each man. While promiscuous women are a subject of lust, they are only the tip of the iceberg.
It is important to realize lust is a not a disease. It’s a weakness, a conscious decision brought on by one’s inability to obey God’s commands. By definition, lust is “a strong physical desire to have sex with somebody, usually without associated feelings of love or affection.” Lust and envy go hand in hand allowing satan to manipulate people’s emotions, while righteous love and desire are only possible through God and the appreciation of His creations.
What’s the difference between lust and desire? Lust occurs when we let our thoughts travel beyond the appreciation of beauty. When sexual suggestion or fantasies are created, then we must know we’ve crossed the line into a lustful behavior which is a sin that deserves harsh punishment. “For lust is shameful, a sin to be judged. It is a fire that burns to Destruction.” (Job 31:11-12)
More than a harmful habit, lust is described as one of the worst marital sins since it also involves infidelity, unfaithfulness or disloyalty. Jesus said “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28) We all know how God feels about adultery.
Lust is a selfish, conscious process focused on pleasing oneself and often leads people to commit unwholesome actions that involve consequences beyond our own understanding. Lust is a sin which destroys marriages and relationships. Powered by greed, lust clearly goes against the Christian faith since relationships with Jesus Christ are about selflessness.
Commanded by God Himself, lust is forbidden at the same level as murder and adultery. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:17)
How can someone weakened by lust recover from such destructive sin? First, we must confess our sins to Jesus Christ and allow His light to shine bright upon our souls. Then, as we continuously pray for His strength, we must seek out counseling to help us fight evil. Lust is not easily conquered rather it is a battle that can only be won when using proven tools and faith in Jesus Christ.
“Since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:8-9)
Does lust have a hold on you? Are you struggling with envy for others? If so I invite you to confess your sins and ask God to forgive and strengthen you. The worse thing a believer can do is turn his or her back on God and continue giving in to sin which is a clear sign of weak faith and a giant red flag. A relationship with Jesus Christ begins much like a seed that needs watering and light to grow into unmeasurable harvest. Lust slowly chokes the life from this seed and must be dealt with swiftly before temptation takes root in our lives spoiling the harvest possible only through faith in Christ.
“For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8)
Based on the fact we are all sinners, it is safe to assume no one is entirely lust proof however many Christians do without lust in their lives. They are people who rely on the word of God and seek immediate help when they have fallen.
We invite you to call on us for prayer and counseling on lust and other sinful habits you may be struggling with along your Christian walk. We may not have all the answers but together with Christ, I am confident we can tear out the weeds brought on by temptation and allow God’s seed to produce a harvest according to His ways. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for all that surrounds us and for your love.
We pray for your guidance in our lives, and for your strength
And ask you to drive us to fulfill your plan for our lives.
Lord, please shine your light bright upon us
And lead us to eternal life with you in Heaven,
Where we can rejoice with you and all those who believe in you
From the dawn of time and forever.
God please forgive our sins and our weaknesses
Make us stronger when temptation hovers over us
And continue to lift our spirits when darkness sets in
So that we may shine through strengthened by Faith.
Thank you all mighty God for all that you’ve given us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
