“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
APPETITE VS LUST
Appetite is a God-given function of our bodies. It isn’t wrong to eat when you’re hungry, have an intimate relationship with your spouse, or to take a much needed vacation to relax and refocus. An appetite that has been allowed to run amuck with no discipline, however, morphs into a ravenous thing called LUST.
To lust after something is to crave it to the point of doing whatever is necessary to get it, regardless of the cost or consequences to yourself or others. Lust is uncontrolled appetite, and it is not of God. Those who live in the world are driven by their lusts. The church, however, is called to live moderately in all areas.
From 1 John 2:15-17, we see that everything we lust after can be put into one of three categories:
- The lust of the flesh
- The lust of the eyes
- The pride of life
The things people lust after are too numerous to count. Here are a few areas in each category:
LUST OF THE FLESH
FOOD
Food addiction plagues our society. Most of us live on the SAD (Standard American Diet) of three huge carb-laden meals, mostly fast food, three snacks in between, and a continuous flow of liquid sugar drinks in every twenty-four hour period.
One thing that makes getting our food cravings under control so difficult is the fact that we have to eat. A person who is addicted to nicotine can stop smoking cold turkey. The same can be said for alcohol or drug addiction. That’s not to say it isn’t extremely difficult, and often takes a neutral party to facilitate the detox process. Still, it can be done. Our appetite for food, however, must be personally managed and modified throughout our lives.
God created our bodies to require food, and so we must eat. It’s up to us, however, to learn what our bodies need to be healthy, and choose to consume only that most of the time. Fasting is the tool that God has given us to keep our lust for food under control.
SEXUAL RELATIONS
Having an intimate relationship with our spouse is a holy act. It was created by God. Sexual relationships outside of marriage are sin. Unfortunately, flesh that is not kept under subjection to the Holy Ghost only wants more. It is up to us, to learn what is acceptable in God’s eyes, and discipline ourselves to desire only that.
THRILL SEEKING
I’ve ridden a roller coaster or two, and even zip lined while on vacation. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of blood pumping fun on occasion There are people, however, who live from adrenaline rush to adrenaline rush. Many times, people who can’t seem to enjoy the blessings of a normal day are those who are running from God. They will seek after anything to distract them from hearing that still small voice calling to them.
ENTERTAINMENT
Again, there’s nothing wrong with fun activities to unwind from the pressures of life. When you can’t focus on needful things without your mind drifting to the next movie, ballgame, social media post or other form of entertainment, it’s time to pull away from it all, and refocus on what’s truly important. Too much entertainment keeps you from being beneficial to your family, employer, community, church and the Kingdom of God.
SLEEP
This one might come as a surprise. We think of lust as doing something. Sometimes, however, it’s doing nothing. Don’t get me wrong…I’m an unapologetic napper. Some people, however, live only to go back to sleep, either physically or spiritually. Lethargy is a very effective tactic of the enemy. How many ministries have been forfeited for a few more hours of sleep?
“How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” (Proverbs 6:9-11)
LUST OF THE EYES
POSSESSIONS
When the rich young ruler asked what he needed to do to be saved, Jesus told him to sell all that he had, give to the poor, and come follow him. The young man went away sorrowfully. Does that mean we are all called to sell everything, and live without? This young man was controlled by his desire for possessions and wealth. How much stuff do we really need? When your stuff keeps you from fully living for God, it’s time to let it go. Here is a great website to help you get started: becoming minimalist
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
Everyone wants to look their best, Looking your best, and obsessing over what people think are two different things. I don’t wear makeup, but I’ve heard that some ladies who do won’t go to bed without “their face” because they don’t want their spouse to see them without it…This is insane.
My husband and I ride a trike. I remember for the first year or so after we purchased it, I stressed over wearing a helmet. Everywhere we went, I had “helmet hair.” This obsession with my appearance kept me from enjoying our riding experience. The Lord convicted me of my pride, and one day I just bought some colorful beanies to pull on every time we got off the bike. Since then, I’ve added a small collection of baseball caps, as well.
The quest for a perfect body has led many people to destroy the one God gave them, as well as their peace.
PRIDE OF LIFE
POPULARITY
Everyone’s personality is different. Some people are naturally the life of the party, and others are more of a wall flower. I’m the latter. To be in the spotlight was always excruciating. This is one area where God really had a lot of work to do when He called me into the ministry. I learned that excessive shyness was a form of pride, and had to get over my “self.”
Other people not only thrive on being in the spotlight, they crave it. They would rather have followers than eat. Being popular gives them validation and affirmation that should only come from God. Be right with God, and get comfortable with who He has called you to be.
POSITIONS
Some people are driven by achieving position and power. That’s really what the pursuit of position is -the quest for power and control. God does use people, and He does place people in positions as He sees fit. If God has allowed you to be in a position of power, use it to do good, and bring Him glory. But be honest with yourself as to whether you are attempting to glorify Him, or yourself. Flesh likes to be glorified, but God deserves all of it.
Many a business person has forfeited their god-given families and ministries in order to pursue another rung on the company ladder.
SELFRELIANCE
When a two year old smacks your hand away from helping them, and screams, “I do by self,” we think it’s cute. If an adult did the same thing, we would be shocked, and frustrated. Yet, people who consistently refuse the help of the body of Christ are effectively doing the same thing. It’s as if giving in, and allowing someone to help them makes them feel inferior. This goes on in the business world, and sadly in the church. Sometimes we forget Who our source of strength is. We are called the Body of Christ for a reason. No member is more important than another, and each one needs every one.
IN SUMMARY
These are just a few areas where lust gets control in our lives. The answer is moderation taught by implementing spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, bible study and giving. When a child, no matter how cute, is not disciplined, selfish manners rule, and the child becomes uncontrollable. The same thing happens with our appetites. They must be harnessed and disciplined so they don’t grow up to be big, ugly, wild lustful things.
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” ((Philippians 4:5)
Warm Regards In Jesus Name!
-Pat