What is Lust? How to Overcome it?
7 Deadly Sins: Part 3
In our ongoing exploration of the seven deadly sins, we now probe into the third sin, lust. Lust can be defined as an intense and improper sexual desire. According to the Christian worldview, it denotes a sexual desire that deviates from the moral boundaries established by God. It is important to note that the mere presence of sexual desire is not inherently sinful; rather, it is considered a natural and God-given aspect of human beings. However, when this desire is pursued outside the moral and ethical guidelines set by God, it transforms into lust and is deemed a sinful behavior.
It is crucial to distinguish between a healthy expression of sexuality within the confines of marriage and the distortion of this desire into lust, which implies a wrongful pursuit of gratification. In Christian teachings, lust is viewed as a deviation from the divine order, as it involves seeking sexual pleasure in ways contrary to God’s intended design for human relationships.
Let us now look at what the Bible says about lust. In the Ten Commandments, God straightforwardly tells us not to commit adultery (Exodus 20:14). It is a clear rule about staying faithful in marriage. In the tenth commandment, God warns against coveting your neighbor’s spouse or possessions, emphasizing that sinful desires can go beyond just actions and affect your thoughts and heart (Exodus 20:17).
Job, in the Book of Job (31:11-12), paints a vivid picture of how bad lust can be. He describes it as a heinous crime, comparing it to a destructive fire that burns everything in its path, reaching as far as Abaddon, which is the land of the dead. So, lust is not just a mistake; it is like a fire that can wreck your life and more.
Jumping to the New Testament, Jesus adds his perspective in Matthew 5:28. He says that if you look at someone with lustful eyes, you have pretty much-committed adultery in your heart. Jesus digs into the idea that it is not just about physical actions; what is going on in your thoughts matters too. He challenges believers to keep their hearts and intentions pure, not just their outward actions. There are other parts of the Bible that drive home the point about the consequences of lust. Proverbs 6:25-26, for instance, warns against lusting after someone’s beauty, saying it can lead to ruin. James (1:14-15) talks about how desire, when acted upon, leads to sin, and sin, when unchecked, leads to death. It is a progression that starts with the desire in your heart. Even the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:18 tells believers to run away from sexual immorality, recognizing that it is not just a sin against others but against your own body. He emphasizes the sacredness of the connection between believers and Christ.
The story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11-12 illustrates the profound consequences of lust and subsequent actions. After surrendering to his desire for Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, David commits adultery and later attempts to cover it up by manipulating circumstances. The consequences unfold as Bathsheba becomes pregnant, leading to a failed attempt to deceive Uriah and ultimately resorting to his orchestrated death in battle. The prophet Nathan confronts David, and God’s judgment is pronounced: the child conceived in adultery dies. This story serves as a powerful lesson, revealing the far-reaching impact of lust, adultery, and attempts to conceal wrongdoing, manifesting in personal, familial, and societal consequences. The story portrays the depth of divine disapproval for lust and adultery as well as emphasizes the importance of repentance and accountability for one’s actions.
So, how do we overcome lust? Here are 7 ways in which you overcome lust:
Recognizing and Admitting the Problem: The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem with lust. This involves being honest with yourself about the negative impact of lustful thoughts and desires on your life.
Turn to God in Prayer and Repentance: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).” After acknowledging the presence of lust in your life, the next step is to turn to God in prayer and repentance.
Fleeing Temptation: The Bible advises believers to flee from situations that may lead to temptation. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, Paul says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” Avoiding situations that may trigger lustful desires is a proactive step. Come out of your room you feel the desire to lust over men/women on the internet. Engage in some physical activities to overcome that desire.
Guarding Your Eyes and Thoughts: Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount about the importance of controlling one’s thoughts and eyes: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Matthew 5:28).” The idea is to guard against entertaining impure thoughts and to be mindful of what one allows into their mind through visual stimuli. Stop watching porn or movies that ignite lust in your heart.
Prayer and Seeking Help: Turning to God in prayer and seeking His strength is a common theme in overcoming various struggles, including lust. “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray (James 5:13).” Seek support from your faith community, including pastors, mentors, or support groups, to help overcome lust.
Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Cultivating these qualities in one’s life can help in resisting the temptations of the flesh, including lust.
Seek Accountability: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).” Seek accountability from trusted individuals who can provide support and encouragement in your journey to overcome lust.
In conclusion, overcoming the sin of lust requires a combination of self-awareness, spiritual reflection, and proactive measures aligned with biblical teachings. By recognizing the destructive nature of lust, turning to God in prayer, and seeking accountability and support within a faith community, we can embark on a transformative journey toward purity of heart and a steadfast commitment to God’s intended design for human relationships. May God bless us all!
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