LUST

Jonelle Maxwell

This is one of the most needed topics to discuss but the least talked about.When we talk about lust, most of the time we focus on sex. Lust concerning sex is most definitely an area that need to be dealt with. We see sexual content around us all day and every day. It’s like no way around it.

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.(1 John 2:16)

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18)

During the time many of us was growing up, sex wasn’t as prevalent as it is now. Even on television. Usually the closest to sex on television was HBO after midnight. I remember watching movies with my mom, she would always tell my sister and I to turn out heads when their was a sex scene in the movie. Also, pornographic movies was in stores that asked for ID according to state law. Now, anyone can just pull up pornography right online.

Over the years, things have become worse. Especially for our children. Now, even the cartoons are showing pornography. It started subtle, but now it’s widespread. Even to the point, of schools teaching our children about things we never discussed growing up. Yes, we had sex education. But, not like it is now. It’s more graphic than anything else. I believe the door opened when parents had become busy with work and other things that was necessary to take care of the family.

I believe it was the enemy’s tactic to make the parents so engaged in other things that caused us to miss what we should have been paying attention to. This is not a put blame on parents game. Many great parents have tried their best to provide and keep watch over their families. There have been times, while parents was working hard to take care of their families, they may have allowed a friend or family member to watch while they was away. Some children have been molested by a close friend or family member. All of this goes back to lust.

If lust is not dealt with, it will drive people to do things they will not normally do. Lust is a strong spirit. It will drive a person to go to the extreme just to satisfy the craving.

“And then he added, ‘It is what comes from inside that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.'” (Mark 7:20-23)

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God.”(1 Thessalonians 4:3-5)

“So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.”(Colossians 3:5)

Many of us have either been controlled by the spirit of lust, are now, or know someone that is. Again, this is not to condemn anyone. God is able to bring forth deliverance if we let Him. He love us so much, that through the cross of or Lord Jesus Christ, He provided deliverance.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.(Romans 8:1)Deliverance is part of our covenant. We have a blood bought right to be delivered! No matter how great it is! God is more than able to deliver. NOW ISN’T THAT GOOD NEWS!

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13

)Over the years, I have known many believers to feel embarrassed discussing this matter and made to feel like God is disgusted with them. But understand, the love of God covers a multitude of sins. He does not want any of us to be publicly exposed. But His grace and mercy provide us time to repent and receive deliverance. He’ll give you trusted people to walk you through the process so you can experience total freedom. I’m believing with you on today, if you are struggling in this area. I believe God will deliver you. I believe God will hear your cry of true repentance. Just go to Him and be honest. God is faithful! And He will not beat you upside the head. Trust me! Have faith in God to bring you out on the other side of lust. He can do it, if you let Him. Now, it’s up to you to decide.

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:4)

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)