We live in a world driven by lust—lust for sexual relationships, lust for food, lust for power, lust for recreation, etc. This insatiable lust as a culture has driven many people to do the unthinkable to others and to themselves. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that we live in the world, but we are not of the world.

Many times people will make excuses for their lust by blaming God. But in James 1:13-15 we learn that: “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

Satan, our own flesh, and the world can influence us towards lust—but they can’t make us lust. We can resist the temptation to lust after anything through the power of God. It starts in our hearts and minds—not even in the object of the lust.

Those who are truly called by God won’t find peace in their lust. They will seek out God’s deliverance so that they can stand before Him in victory for this present day and at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It’s not always easy to overcome this struggle, but it’s entirely possible if we train ourselves to do 4 things:

#1) Make no excuses or allow ourselves reasons to justify lust in our hearts and minds.

#2) Confess our weaknesses to God and if necessary to another mature godly person.

#3) Fight the good fight of faith with the sword of the Spirit which is God’s word. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds. Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ Jesus.”

#4) As much as possible, remove yourself from the temptations that you face or ask God to make a way for you to live in peace.

Can’t make me lust…

Prayer

Dear Lord, at times I struggle with lust but I want to walk in purity in my heart and mind. Cleanse me from evil thought and help me to fight the good fight of faith all the days of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,