Faith

This Is What Lust Looks Like Practically

Many times when I hear or read about the subject of lust, I subconsciously think it is a gendered struggle (specific to men).

But I know better now. We also struggle with lust as ladies. Often I find myself unsure about when my attraction turns to lust or when my fantasies become a foothold given to lustful desires.

When Jesus said, But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” in Matthew 5:28, He was also talking to ladies- “do not look at him/her lustfully”, if you are wondering what lustfully looking practically looks like.

I would give you a few checklists a ‘deep’ person I know pointed out to me: 

1. Liking or Admiring Till it Turns to Idolatry.

It’s okay to notice when he/she looks good, but remember, nothing (people inclusive) must exalt itself above the knowledge of God. Remember, charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last (Proverbs 31:30).

For example, when you see a girl/guy and like but then you let your mind wander to the point this person becomes the object of your affection 24/7. What they say is final, Everything he/She is admirable and unquestionable. Then you are crossing the line.

Admiration in itself is very okay but when it begins to influence everything you do or think when it owns your heart such that you begin to exalt that person beyond what is normal when they begin to make you make decisions that aren’t consistent with God’s word, then you know it’s time to watch it.

It’s okay to notice when he/she looks good, but remember, nothing (people inclusive) must exalt itself above the knowledge of God. Click To Tweet

2. A Desire Out of Control

A friend painted this analogy: ‘You did not have a child the day the baby was born, you had a child the very moment the sperm fertilized the egg’. The thoughts you allow to thrive in your mind will eventually produce results. So, do not let your desires, even when they are just thoughts, go out of control. NEVER let perverted thoughts or desires thrive in your mind. See what the book of James said:

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed – James 1:13-14.

Make a conscious effort to renew your mind with God’s word just like Paul said in Romans 12:2.And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

I remember having a crush on someone a while back. My crush was my first and last thoughts every day, I thought of Him so much so that even in my sleep I would dream of Him and all the thing we could do together. Anytime I wanted to distract myself I would just dig up my crush fantasy and for the time it fed my lustful mind adequately but it also clouded my judgement plus my study and prayer time started to diminish drastically.

It is important to note at this point; “that you shook your head does not mean the thought flew out of your head.”Thoughts are fought with words and not just thoughts. When you find your mind wandering  remind yourself of who you are loud. You may have to do this over and over again but say it because your heart needs it.

Thoughts are fought with words and not just thoughts. When you find your mind wandering remind yourself, loudly of who you are. Click To Tweet

3. A desire that Can Never be Satisfied 

You will never have enough when it comes to walking in the flesh. You know that fantasy that feels so good, while you know that it is an unhealthy place to keep visiting, the pleasure you feel makes you replay it every time? STOP IT!!!

Remember your body is God’s temple; (Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19). So present it by allowing His word to thrive even over your ungodly fantasies.

Remember your body is God’s temple. So present it by allowing His word to thrive even over your ungodly fantasies. Click To Tweet

Now you have a checklist.

Remember, Your temptations do not define you, plus you are never left by yourself. Allow God (by the Holy Spirit), and the family you have in Christ to be the strength you need.  

You are not your temptations, plus you are never left by yourself. Allow God (by the Holy Spirit), and the family you have in Christ to be the strength you need. Click To Tweet

Thank you for reading, hopefully, you learnt a thing or two. Kindly remember to leave a comment.

You’ll also love to read – Guarding Your Heart Against Lust

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