A Continual Lust for More

Every human brain is wired for sensual satisfaction. We crave rich foods and the expanding size of the average American’s waistline is testament to the abundance of our time.  We enjoy comfort; who doesn’t prefer a hot shower over a cold bath?  Lust is not just about sex, though we often use it that way.  Our sexuality is always a factor in life, though some would strenuously deny it. Lust can find expression in most any desire.  When desire becomes our master, overpowering us, we are in the grip of lust. Lust is no longer considered a vice by most Americans! It’s the way we live in our religion that worships the god, Self.  It is served  with rituals that center on gratification of every whim.  We are convinced that happiness is found in having more of everything. Consequently, lust is on the loose, running rampant.  

 Look around.  

 See those marriages that are wrecked by infidelity? That’s a fruit of lust.    

Notice the spike in rates of diseases brought on by obesity? That’s lust!  

 Those 5 and 6 figure credit card balances which result from unrestrained spending, creating perpetual poverty, that is lust, too! 

The Bible tells disciples of Christ that they  "must no longer live as the Gentiles (godless people) do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more." (Ephesians 4:17-19, NIV)  Instead, by the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, we are to "be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love…  among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—(his idol the god, Self!) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians 4:32-5:6, NIV)

Before you decide that the solution is more self-discipline, hear the counsel of the Scripture. "Rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires." (Colossians 2:28, NLT)  That person staring at pornographic websites knows it is not a good thing.  We all know that huge slice of cake and super-size fast food meal is not the right way to fuel our bodies.  When we go out and buy that luxury item, financing it with easy credit, we know we are robbing from our future.  Yet, millions of good people do all those things every day, ignoring what they know is right, led by a continual lust for more.

So, how do we defeat this foe that destroys body, soul, and spirit?

Lust is defeated by love! “But, Jerry, that is the problem.  I love things, food, pleasure, women!”  No, what is mistaken for love is often is the parody of it, lust.  Christ Jesus died to break the chains of desire, to offer you and me a higher life.  When we kneel at His Cross, asking for forgiveness and freedom, the Spirit comes and enlivens our spirit, allowing us to become responsive to the will of our Father. Then, we feed that love. We love Christ and all things beautiful.  We love Heaven and bring it to earth.  Captivated by Him we find the desires of our bodies eclipsed by greater purpose, higher vision, and deeper satisfaction.

Here’s a word from the Word. As you celebrate the Resurrection this coming Sunday, may you realize the personal freedom that comes because He lives. "If you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. " (Colossians 3:1-4, The Message)