For more than sixteen hundred years, lust has been identified as one of the seven classical deadly sins. This list also includes greed, gluttony, pride, sloth, anger and envy. Like these other vices, it does not command much of our attention. In fact, lust is generally misunderstood and ignored even though its affects ravage the lives of many around us.
What is lust? Most would simply describe lust as an overwhelming sexual desire. However, this is not the meaning it has for Christians. For us, intensity is less of a concern than the direction in which our desire is pointed. When our focus is directed towards that which is forbidden, then it is lust. Engaging in lust must be recognized as more than mere desire, since it provides an illicit form of gratification by itself. By it, our thirst is temporarily quenched.
Granted, every day, common lust is frequently looked at as nothing more than a natural human appetite and a harmless, passive source of pleasure. This is not the Biblical view, where lust is strictly condemned. If we were hardwired to lust, as some believe, we would be powerless to eliminate it. We would also not know what to do with the teachings of Jesus. Consider His words:
You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30)
Although this passage is well known, it is generally misunderstood in one way or another. In fact, many consider it to be so harsh and unreasonable that they simply set it aside. Thus they ignore, to their peril, specific teaching about a problem that is plaguing our society and the Church. Voyeurism is epidemic. With the rise of Internet usage and the privacy it affords, the practices of viewing pornography and masturbation are increasingly prevalent. Jesus is unmistakably addressing these practices directly when He suggests amputating our right eye or our right hand if they cause us to sin.
Unfortunately, without correctly understanding this passage, we might come to one of two wrong conclusions. First, we could assume that Jesus considers self-mutilation to be a viable solution to lust. Being blind and without hands would certainly interfere with our ability to sin in this way. Yet, instinctively, we know that this is not His intention. It is impractical and outrageous on the face. Besides, blind, handless men still lust.
On the other hand, it is just as wrong to conclude that He is exaggerating or speaking allegorically. It may seem odd being told to maintain complete abstinence from lustful thoughts, especially in such graphic, shocking language. However, rather than smoothing over what Jesus says, we had better think hard about how to obey. Clearly, He leaves no wiggle room. Lust must be eliminated from our lives or the consequences of continuing in it are too awful to bear.
Lust For Money Provokes a Girl To Commit a Murder by arynews
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1450570
What is lust? Most would simply describe lust as an overwhelming sexual desire. However, this is not the meaning it has for Christians. For us, intensity is less of a concern than the direction in which our desire is pointed. When our focus is directed towards that which is forbidden, then it is lust. Engaging in lust must be recognized as more than mere desire, since it provides an illicit form of gratification by itself. By it, our thirst is temporarily quenched.
Granted, every day, common lust is frequently looked at as nothing more than a natural human appetite and a harmless, passive source of pleasure. This is not the Biblical view, where lust is strictly condemned. If we were hardwired to lust, as some believe, we would be powerless to eliminate it. We would also not know what to do with the teachings of Jesus. Consider His words:
You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30)
Although this passage is well known, it is generally misunderstood in one way or another. In fact, many consider it to be so harsh and unreasonable that they simply set it aside. Thus they ignore, to their peril, specific teaching about a problem that is plaguing our society and the Church. Voyeurism is epidemic. With the rise of Internet usage and the privacy it affords, the practices of viewing pornography and masturbation are increasingly prevalent. Jesus is unmistakably addressing these practices directly when He suggests amputating our right eye or our right hand if they cause us to sin.
Unfortunately, without correctly understanding this passage, we might come to one of two wrong conclusions. First, we could assume that Jesus considers self-mutilation to be a viable solution to lust. Being blind and without hands would certainly interfere with our ability to sin in this way. Yet, instinctively, we know that this is not His intention. It is impractical and outrageous on the face. Besides, blind, handless men still lust.
On the other hand, it is just as wrong to conclude that He is exaggerating or speaking allegorically. It may seem odd being told to maintain complete abstinence from lustful thoughts, especially in such graphic, shocking language. However, rather than smoothing over what Jesus says, we had better think hard about how to obey. Clearly, He leaves no wiggle room. Lust must be eliminated from our lives or the consequences of continuing in it are too awful to bear.
Lust For Money Provokes a Girl To Commit a Murder by arynews
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1450570
