it's amazing how many things we struggle with. how many things take firm holds in our lives. and we don't even notice them.
last night we talked during the beginning of youth group about the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.
I always thought I was pretty good at keeping those under control. I don't read dirty magazines or watch dirty movies. I've never purposefully put myself in a situation where I'd be tempted. I always try to act very humbly.
but wow, I suck at it.
the lust of the eyes can be things like looking longingly after that iPod. car.
the lust of the flesh can be wanting to look perfect before we walk out the door. letting food be your primary objective during the day. (which, by the way, I'm guilty of a thousand times over...I do enjoy eating quite a bit)
the pride of life can be thinking "what the heck, I'll only live once." being determined to make yourself comfortable.
some of these things aren't bad.
it's natural for us to want nice things. iPods and cars aren't evil. looking good isn't bad. eating is a necessity to life. true, you only will live once. enjoy it. being comfortable is ok. every once in a while, we need to give stress a break.
but are you lusting after these things?
LUST- a passionate or overmastering desire or craving
hmm.
I lust after quite a few things.
I let them come before God.
in my sinful nature, I simply have to have them.
it's disgusting, really.
once I realized how many things I lusted after, I was quite disappointed in myself. I found my self rather objectionable.
so, another challenge for you all.
look at your daily life;
--what do you spend most of your time thinking about?
--do you ever put it before God?
--which category does it fall under? (lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, pride of life)
wow, I'd really love for all of my crap just to go away.
but I have a feeling it'll be a little harder than that.
grace, strength, wisdom, and conviction.
those are just some of the things that the Holy Spirit gives us to
kick lust to the curb.
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3 comments:
That was good. I think I was pretty much on the same page as you. Thinking I was good at all that, I had it down. Then you said looking at things could be lust which is so right. I mean I do it all the time with... Cameras, food, music and books. The list can go on. Wow I had never thought about it that way. I mean I always kind of put all those things as greed (which they are also) but yeah. Interesting stuff Em.
I have a lot of work to do. So does God I think.
That was very good to hear kind of just what I needed. At this time. Thanks for being honest it is always good to read your blogs.
thanks so much for sharing this tonight..
i realize i kind of put you on the spot, but, hey, it was relevant!
i love how God's working so much in our lives. constantly, faithfully.
Praise Him!!!! He is so good.
wait wait... i feel a lame joke coming on:
i realize i kind of put you on the spot...
the BLOG spot! hahahahhahahahahaha.
anyways.
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