Lust of the Flesh, Lust of the Eyes, and Pride give Death but Repentance - Life
by Teresa (1,500)
Freelance writer/Speaker
Lust is most commonly associated with unrestrained sexual desires. Nevertheless, in its general use it applies to all areas of obsessive desire. It could be thirst for power, knowledge, or worldly possessions, which fill our daily thoughts in an unhealthy manner – causing us to pursue such things no matter the cost – many times creating a wave of pain and consequence.
We have our first example of lust and consequence in the book of Genesis with Adam and Eve.
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband and he ate.” Genesis 3:6 – and the rest, as they say, is history.
There is nothing wrong with eating when we are hungry or wanting to be wise – God makes provision for hunger, and he gave us a brain that we are expected to use. The problem lies in when we allow these basic needs to lead us to sin by seeking provision from a source that God has warned us to stay away from regardless of our circumstance.
Since that day in the Garden of Eden, nothing has changed. We read in the book of 1 John, where the Apostle John speaks this same warning to the church of his day, to us, and those who will come after us.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
Clearly, this passage refers to loving the world system and has nothing to do with the people who are in the world.
When Adam and Eve put their desires above trust and obedience toward God, it cost them the immediate death of their spirit – and ultimately the death of their physical bodies.
They believed the twisted lies of the father of this world, who is Satan, instead of trusting that God had a good reason for telling them not to eat of this particular tree. They convinced themselves that God was holding back good from them, so they took it upon themselves to gratify their temporary hunger and their pride.
Every one of us is guilty of this in one way or another at different times of our lives. If we have never fully surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, by true and humble repentance, we are walking around spiritually dead – awaiting judgment and eternal damnation. However, if we have surrendered our lives and admitted our need for Jesus, then we have temporary separation from fellowship with God when we are in a state of rebellion.
It is better to seek forgiveness and turn from our pride so that we may have fellowship with God. Not only in this life, but for all eternity.
Chapter six of the book of Proverbs tells us there are seven things the LORD hates; they are an abomination to Him.
“These six things the LORD hates, Yes seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among the brethren.” Proverbs 6: 16-19
I don’t believe it is a coincidence that pride is the first thing mentioned on the list. It is also interesting to note that all that follows on this list have their beginnings in lust.
Lust breeds jealousy and jealousy leads to hurting others by spreading lies and rumors – or worse, it can lead to evil and wicked thoughts of adultery, abuse, and murder.
Pride in its worldly form says, I can have whatever I want when I want it. It is a me first attitude – it is the world system – it is our society. All we have to do is look around, maybe even in the mirror to see it.
So what is the solution? Is there a healthy sense of pride that God requires of us? The answer is yes. The Apostle Paul tells us that if we are to boast in anything, it is to boast in what the Lord has done for us. Jesus said, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all our needs and sometimes desires, will be given to us in due time for our good.
Wait on God; trust in his goodness and he will give us all we need. There is no need to lie, cheat, or steal to get what we want.
May we continually examine our hearts, asking the Lord to reveal the areas of our lives were we may be living in unhealthy wanting (lust) and unhealthy pride. This kind of prayer will always be answered with a resounding yes!
The only remaining question is what will we choose to do with what God shows us.
I pray we will humble ourselves and repent. I pray we will not let lust and pride keep us from eternal life in heaven. Let’s not buy into the lie that tells us our good will outweigh our bad. The devil would have us think that a loving God will overlook our sin and invite us into heaven on our merits. The death and resurrection of Jesus answers this question for us.
Repentance and turning away from sinful behavior is the only thing that will cause God to breathe life into our spirit giving us full assurance of a home in Heaven.
As John the Baptist once said, repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Repentance is a lifestyle not a one-time event.
May the Lord bless you and keep you safe as you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
© Teresa Ortiz – World Wide Bible Studies. All rights reserved 2009
Article submitted Thursday, May 21, 2009 & read 1761 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Cal (265 days 2 hours ago.)
This is such a well written article on this topic. I often feel heavy and condemned when reading writings on this, but you have a great way of relating this to trust. "They convinced themselves that God was holding back good from them, so they took it upon themselves to gratify their temporary hunger and their pride." This explains it exactly, and gives us a good perspective on the fact that it is truly an issue of trusting God to the fullest to supply all of our needs.Thank you!Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (260 days 1 hour ago.)
Hi Cal, thanks for the comment. The bottom line is trust and finding the balance between self-centered pride verses Christ-centered pride.
God gives many gifts and talents and we would not be glorifying God if we didn't take advantage of them and use them for good in their fullest potential. If we have been blessed with "stuff" and money, it is not a sin to rejoice in it, only a sin to hoard and not share as he calls us to.
Blessings, Teresa
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» left by Rhonda Jean from Spangle,Washington (228 days 3 hours ago.)
I truely enjoy all your articals ,you are so good in writting, all ways wanted to learn how to write, your incredable. and thank you so much for the words you share that help keep me hangin on in this life, your awsome.and God Bless you richly for all you have put in to your articals thank you so very much, they are so very helpful to me.in my times of need. Bless u !!Respond to this comment
» left by Verna Mull from Greene, Iowa (209 days 22 hours ago.)
A terrific study. After all, it was pride that caused Satan's fall and all of the things you mentioned are surely what God's Word meant when He spoke of lush in His Word. We are a selfish, self-centered people, and, like the Israelites, we need to be reminded of the importance of being steady in Him.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,500)
Hi Verna, Thank you for your comments. It's all too easy to forget that God has boundaries for our protection, not because he is a mean Father. "Being steady in Him" well put. I love it :-)
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» left by Lance Ponder(92) (200 days 4 hours ago.)
Very well writtenRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (200 days 3 hours ago.)
Thank you Lance! I pray it is an encouragement to others.
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