Posts Tagged: reasons for lust

“Lust Versus What God Has Placed in Front of Us”

On December 10, 2023 by Dteb With 0 Comments - down to earth believer

“Get Serious

4 1-2 Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

2-3 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

4-6 You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” (James 4:1-10, The Message)

“Lust is wanting anything that God hasn’t put right in front of me.” (A comment by a twelve-step friend)

Among other things, lust is a refusal to trust God. When I desire something (or someone) that I don’t currently have, I am saying to God, “You’re holding out on me!” And that is not the sort of thing that someone who trusts God would say.

And why would God not give me something or someone? There are several possible answers to this question. I don’t like any of them, but I need to keep them all in mind.

  1. I don’t really need what I am wanting. This is more common that is generally acknowledged.
  2. I want different things that are mutually exclusive. (Eating lots of sweets and snacks and being in good shape comes to mind.)
  3. What I’m wanting would not be good for me.
  4. I am not asking God for it. (God gives many good things to me without my asking, but there are other good things for which God expects me to ask.)
  5. I am asking God for something for the wrong reasons.

So, just for today, I am going to be appreciative of whatever God puts in front of me.

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