As with all things, lust and evil desires are defined differently depending on the worldview they're seen from. A worldview is the overall perspective from which one sees and interprets the world.
A secular worldview defines lust and evil desires differently than a Christian worldview. Anyone can list examples of lustful or evil desires, but not everyone will give the same answers. In general, those who profess faith in a religion would come up with a longer list than those who do not. This article will examine lust and evil desires from a Christian worldview.
Lust
Lust is sin and all sin separates us from God, but throughout history lust has done considerable damage to the relationship between God and man. It was lustful temptation from Satan that drove Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Eve saw that "the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom" so she and Adam ate (Genesis 3:6). This act was also idolatry, as Adam and Eve desired to become like gods themselves. When their folly was discovered, Adam blamed God and Eve for his sin (verse 12).
In the Fall human nature was corrupted, and the perfect union between God and man destroyed. Humanity is still just as sinful today, but that does not mean it's impossible to be right with God. Repairing the relationship requires the work of the Holy Spirit, and those who have the Spirit will set their minds on what the Spirit desires. Those who do not have the Spirit set their minds on nature and what the sinful nature desires (Romans 8:5).
"The mind governed by flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God" (Romans 8:7). This verse tells us why nature-minded people become hostile if they're called out on their sin. Until the Spirit begins to work in their heart, they will deny their sin and need for a savior. Confronting someone on their sin might not be the best way to begin sharing the message of God. That does not mean it is futile to share the Gospel; Christians should plant seeds, and then the Holy Spirit will nurture and grow that seed.
Christians are not in themselves holier, more righteous, or superior than others. They only difference is that they have been transformed by the Spirit in such a way that their eyes have been opened to the sinful nature of humanity, and the pervasiveness of sin in their lives. Their worldview has changed. In Ephesians 2 we read, "you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world" (verse 1-2); and "all of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts" (verse 3).
The verse continues: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even while we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved" (verse 4-5).
When the Spirit begins to work in a person's heart, it is by grace, and it leads to a transformation of their worldview. When the worldview changes, so does the way that person interacts with the world. They start to see things differently, and what was once valued with high esteem could afterwards be seen as an abomination (Luke 16:15).
Evil Desires
The secular worldview does not define lust and evil desires the same as the Christian worldview. In this secularized world, sexuality and sexual promiscuity are often portrayed as normal and even an ideal to reach for, especially in popular culture and the media. Surrounded by this, children and teenagers grow up seeing that those who are more physically attractive or have more sex are thought of as being superior; that good looks and sexual activity are the measure of social value.
Saint Augustine, in his Confessions, eloquently describes the essence of this false order:
I rushed headlong in such blindness that when I hear other youths of my own age bragging about their immoralities I was ashamed to be less depraved than they. The more disgraceful their deeds, the more credit they claimed; and so I too became as lustful for the plaudits as for the lechery itself. What is more to be reviled than vile debauchery? Afraid of being reviled, I grew viler and when I had no indecent acts to admit that could put me on a level with these abandoned youths, I pretended to obscenities I had not committed, lest I might be thought less courageous for being more innocent, and be accounted cheaper for being more chaste. - Confessions, book 2 chapter 7**
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Secularism isn't essentially depraved or vile, but it doesn't define the same things as being immoral, that the Christian worldview would.
Overcoming Lust and Evil Desires
Overcoming lust and evil desires is a battle that cannot be won alone. Victory is only possible with the strength of the Spirit. In order to escape them, start saying no to desires and instead focus on Christ.
The key to victory is turning to Christ and the Bible whenever we feel tempted:
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." - Titus 2:11-12
"Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." - Romans 13:13-14
"So I say walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." - Galatians 5:16-17
"As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" - 1 Peter 1:14-16
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
49 comments
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Phillip West
Praise God Almighty Surrender and win Jesus is the way and to the Father
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Sierda Geoli
Love God and do what you please.
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Lewis
I don't think one can truly love God then go and do whatever they please. Truly loving God means obeying his commandments, as said in 1 John 5:3.
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Ricky Church
The commandments are Old Testament and so don't count anymore. We live under the New Testament, that all who believe in Jesus Christ as a savior will enjoy the kingdom of heaven. John 3:16. Everyone knows it but noone seems to understand, "...that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life." There's no qualifiers or other requirements here. Believe in Jesus and that's all you need to do. So I'd have to agree with Sierda Geoli.
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Lewis
The commandments are indeed from the Old testament but that doesn't mean they don't count any more. Those are the commandments that tell us, among other things, that we are not to lie, or steal, or commit murder, and you're saying we are not bound by those laws any more? Using your logic, one could go and kill, pillage, and rape, but as long as they believe in Jesus it's okay? I completely disagree. Matthew 7:21 says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven will enter."
It's true that in order to be saved, one must believe in Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross in our place, but a mark of true, genuine belief in him and what he did for humanity is obeying the commandments. In 1 John 2:3-6, we read that "The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." The "Him" being referred to is Jesus. Jesus was not lustful, nor did he murder or lie, or sin at all.
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Aciana
When Jesus gave us the command to Love God above all else and love ye one another, it kind of made the 10 commandments a moot point. I suspect that is what Geoli may mean. If you love God above all else and love one another you won't be doing anything the 10 commandments mention. Besides that, if we would all but follow that one command Jesus gave us, there would be no hunger, war, poverty, disease that lasts beyond a cure...no greed or waste. Consider that. And how difficult it is to follow. Concentrate on that one command and the world, your life and your Spirit will be Holy. Be like the Holy Shadow in the world.
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Joseph
''Jesus was not lustful, nor did he murder or lie, or sin at all.''
No human being is capable of being as Jesus, because we're all imperfect to some degree. Trying to mimic Jesus is both impossible, and, to some, sacrilegious. Sin, while dangerous (and, as imperfect humans, unavoidable), is not irreparable. Genuine, honest repentance, and genuine, honest belief, allow forgiveness from God, regardless of the magnitude of the sin. Some verses that corroborate this are John 14:6, Acts 17:30 and 16:31, and Romans 10:9.
As to your other point, I totally agree. The old testament is not invalidated by the new, just as the US Constitution is not totally re-written every time a new amendment is added; I would suggest that points in the old testament that are not contradicted by the new testament, or the moral views of the modern Church, can still be considered valid, and the ten commandments are the greatest example of this.
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Sierda Geoli
I interpret it as meaning that if one truly loves God, one will not desire the wrong and thus will be incapable of wrong actin. It’s a quote from St Augustine, by the way.
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Lewis
Ah, I see now. I agree, true love for God means not wanting to do any wrong. But because of sin we will fail often.
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Aciana
Not because of Sin, but because our choices bring us to making mistakes that are not in line with our lofty goal to be as the Holy Shadow. Now you get it. When you hone that inner voice that guides (which some call the Spirit voice), you will find yourself at that one second of choice yay or nay that will be that fork in the decisive road. Take the right fork and peace will follow. We all know what happens when we choice the wrong fork in the road..it's a hard way back. The only failure is not turning around and moving back to Spirit.
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Shiloh
I agree.we cannot simply say oh I believe. And then go about being the same miserable wretches we were.the point is to be as Christ like as we can .yes he died for our sins so those who truly believe in Gods word could be saved.the key word is truly.for God ponders our hearts .dont fool yourself into thinking you can keep on in your old ways .Gods will be done not ours.also Jesus suffered and died ,for us.we owe God our absolute love and commitment.by his grace we are saved.walk not your path but Gods.so be it.sincerly and lovingly ,Shiloh
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Sierda Geoli
I interpret it as meaning that if one truly loves God, one will not desire the wrong and thus will be incapable of wrong actin. It's a quote from St Augustine, by the way.
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Sierda Geoli
Sorry: meant as a reply to Lewis, above. (I'm new here.)
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Susan B
In the New Testament, Jesus says that there are only two commandments: Love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.
We get too caught up in what is sinful instead of saying to ourselves, "how can we make it a better world?" Jesus did this through his works, not his words. He fed the hungry and threw the money changers out of the temple.
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Susan Schloeder
Jesus said to love God and to LOVE ONE ANOTHER AS I HAVE LOVED YOU. That has a different meaning than loving your neighbor as yourself. No greater love has man than to lay down his life for his brother,
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Diana
The trick is to love and forgive yourself first.
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Stella
I am so glad I'm not a Christian and don't believe this nonsense. Lust is portrayed as nothing but evil and sinful. We are mammals. Simple biology dictates that we want to be together. You can lust for someone, be together with mutual consent, and not harm anyone. Committed couples can lust for another and so can those who aren't in committed relationships. Christians seem to be obsessed with sex and their view of evilness. We have seen the results of that with pedophilia in the church. You can't dictate morality. The world would be a much better place if people had a healthy view of sex and lust - instead of this obscene Christian view.
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Lewis
Thanks for your input, Stella. Like I said in the beginning of the article, different worldviews will define lust differently.
You have your view, and I respect that, but I also think you should have respect for views that are different than your own. I don't think it's fair to call this viewpoint "nonsense" and "obscene." Doing so shuts down any possibility of friendly debate and the mutual exchange of ideas and thoughts.
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Aciana
True Lewis. Respect for other belief systems opens the door for comparison and discussion. Comparison study of most religions will eventually show you all the good ones weave out their tapestry of teaching from one true thread LOVE. No one particular religion is the ONLY way to God. All roads lead Home. No Soul shall be lost. Please excuse the vague statement. Religion is man made, let's not forget that. God doesn't need religion, people do. I have a pagan friend whose statement of her belief is 'Do as you will and Harm None'. There is a lot of good in that command. Nature based belief systems, such as Native American Spirituality, have great respect for life. Pagan religions honor God/Spirit with their respect for harming none. Deviations from these simple commands as the one Jesus gave us, begin fraying the tapestry of Love and Life. That is man's doing. That is the only true sin. That is failure. Some say there are only two paths-Love and Fear. I attempt to choose LOVE in the manner of an attitude of gratitude. And work daily toward my lofty goal of earning my Holy Shadow.
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Shiloh
Well said Lewis.
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daniel
Yes, I agree to the biology of sexual needs, but by no means view Christianity as npnsense, because salvation is thru the grace of God. Not sin for Christmas redeemed all sin on the cross. sexual sin or lustful desires are part of the human nature. So what God desires is concistacy in and a balance. Like an athlete who sacrifices his body to become stronger and strive for the prize. If you don't deny as much as your capable of like it says in the Word it can become a out of controlable fire. Seek jess and his salvation he is not a tirant but paid a painful death for you that you may have eternal life. Are you willing to take that chance to refuse christ? Remember this is a personal relationship with GOD that no one else can know. Seek and you shall find the Bible say,'s don't insult yourself by unbelieving just because of sexual desires. Remember, God is a just weight and a balance PROVERBS God bless twobraindog@gmail.com
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daniel
What you thing want a make the big plunge?
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daniel
Not Christmas christ, and ! Is after so what. Can't edit yet
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Mussatto00
Leave your Christian dogma at the door, this church is nondenominational. All this archaic dribble does is tear into the unity of the church.
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Aciana
In Unity there is tolerance. I may not agree with everything said here, but I agree with their right to speak it. True unity is respecting others.
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Michelle
To criticize and preach no tolerance are both a sin, leave those things to the Lord. I left a church I had just started attending because the were preaching no tolerance, against the Vatican, because the Pope had invited other religious leaders from the world in; clearly he's trying to do the work of God, whether I follow Catholicism, or not, seems he's trying to get something right.
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Sierda Geoli
I'm new to this community, and may be out of it very soon. I expected something more all-encompassing & tolerant than the kind of scripture club that you can find on any narrow-minded evangelical site.
To quote my sister Stella (I hope she doesn't mind that title):
I am so glad I’m not a Christian and don’t believe this nonsense. Lust is portrayed as nothing but evil and sinful. We are mammals. Simple biology dictates that we want to be together. You can lust for someone, be together with mutual consent, and not harm anyone. Committed couples can lust for another and so can those who aren’t in committed relationships. Christians seem to be obsessed with sex and their view of evilness. We have seen the results of that with pedophilia in the church. You can’t dictate morality. The world would be a much better place if people had a healthy view of sex and lust – instead of this obscene Christian view.
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Allen
I agree somewhat. I believe the religious constricts have been useful and purposeful over time. The Commandments are great and are guidelines for doing the right thing. However, "religion" has been at the root of many evils over the years. The Bible is not a true history of anything. It is stories made up and passed down for generations and then written. It is a wonderful book that has served well as a behavior modification tool. "Don't do that or you will go to hell" Stop. Science has shown us many realistic based facts that dispute some of the stories. Take them for what they are and use them well or don't take them. God or Spirit is an internal guidance system. If you have a foundation in love, trust and want to do the right thing it will work. As discussed the repression of sex has resulted in nothing but shame on the church, all of them. Maybe we can get over the my God is better than your God and focus on each of us doing the right thing or WWJD or what ever works for you.
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robert
The world we live in is set with checks an balances..creation, destruction...life an death. In the natural world...created by god..(by whatever name you wish to give the creator). There isn't a true concept of evil as we know it..animals lust..because there biology tells them too...because that is how the creator made them to be. We are no different...our biology compels us to seek out a mate or mates to advance the progress of our species. It has even been proven that some animals like apes an dolphins engage in sexual contact simply for pleasure even with members of there own sex. So..if god created this biological compulsion in other creatures as well as man..then logically the compulsion an action itself isn't evil or sinful. In the natural world..it isn't a sin or evil to lust...but the natural world is still govern by the balances that the creator put in place. Humans..differ..in that we are no longer governed soley by instinct an threw technology an culture have taken ourselves out of the natural order of things to a large degree. An so we are left to regulate ourselves. Evil..is when the scales of that balance is tipped...to much lust an sexuality leads to overpopulation..a rise in sexually transmitted disease. Surpress sexuality to much..an you open the door for sex crimes..rape..pedophiles..socialpathic disorders. They key is balance...lust..when expressed in a healthy way is not evil...the evil is when the scales are tipped to far..one way or the other. Just a thought..be blessed.
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Wendell
The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is to ask Gods forgiveness for what I may have dreamed. I remember very few of my dreams and I know I have lustful dreams in the past. I don't know that I still don't. Now having said that, I feel God has changed even my DNA cause I no longer desire most of the worldly things that I once did before I was reborn. If I said I no longer desired anything worldly that would not only be lying to all that read this but also to the Lord. And Sieda we don't claim to be perfect and anyone that claims they are and calls themselves Christians are in more trouble then non-Christians because they are deceiving the world in Gods name and that is not what a Christian belief is about. Christ had to die for our sins just for that kind of reason. We can't be perfect. I can only speak for myself when I say anyone that is abusing children or anyone else will answer for it. Please don't pretend that all people of clergy are pedophile or that only clergy are pedophile, that is ignorance. I will however pray for all non-believers whether you want me to or not. That is my nature now. God bless you and yours
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Richard K Sellars
The general concensus I'm hearing is that you must follow the ten commandments and all is well. I have to disagree, if you believe God created man, then, you have to agree that mankind behaves according to the thought processes that we were born with. You shouldn't need a list of commandments to do what is right, because, if you do, you are saying I am a child, too immature to live without a set of rules. There are rules that the majority of us follow that are not present in the commandments, therefore, we don't really need a Devine being to come to a moral certitude. If you only behave out of fear of punishment, then, you're moral compass does not exist. You may be doing right for all the wrong reasons, that's not faith, it is fear.
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Michelle
The 10 Commandments were given by God as the rules in which to live and treat one another, without them one would not have Known the difference between right and wrong. Read the Bible and you would understand this, they are the foundation. It seems that maturity is a word used when it fits the purpose of those looking for a reason to commit sin. Do not Lie, Do not Covet, Do not Murder, the Commandments ARE the rules to life, I do not know of ANY rules they don't encompass that one can follow, therefore they are all God's Commandments.
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Richard K Sellars
What about rape? That's not in the commandments, neither is torture or kidnapping, yet, we have declared laws against these without the need of divine intervention.
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Stella
I completely agree with Richard. One of the things I dislike about how Christianity is used in our culture is that there is a belief we can do nothing without "God". And there is a definition for this "God." The idea that people don't know right from wrong without God is just crazy talk in my view. I would say the majority of the most moral, helpful, compassionate, empathetic, honest, hard working, law abiding people I know are atheists. Where did they get these behaviors? It's a rhetorical question but in my mind disproves the idea that without a Christian God we are nothing. And alternatively most of the self-righteous, judgmental, unforgiving, critical people I know call themselves Christians. I feel compelled to comment on a comment above that said he asked God for forgiveness of what he "may" have dreamt, because he couldn't remember his dreams and in the past he had lustful dreams. If that isn't an example of living in fear and guilt I don't know what is. I don't mean that cruelly; but Christianity seems to brainwash people into not thinking for themselves and to live their lives in guilt and fear. I refuse to believe that is what was meant for the human condition. I also agree with the comment that this site is interdenominational and I'm leery of all the"Christian" postings lately. The first sentence in the sermon is "Lust is sin......" I think that is complete and utter nonsense, and then it went on with quotes from the Bible about sin. I could get the same thing off of any Sunday morning Christian TV show. I was drawn to this site to discuss other beliefs. I don't mind Christians sharing their beliefs but this sermon seems more "forced down the throat" than I'm comfortable with - and I find it offensive, hence my replies.
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Theo Klebes
Stella, I could not have said it any better. Thank you.
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Ed Moriarty
Thank you for the voice of reason in this, at times, sick conversation.
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Susan Schloeder
It was stated at the beginning of the article that it was written from a Christian point of view. It would be interesting to read other (educated) points of view in other articles.
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CB in VA
Interesting dialogue Stella and worthy of further discussion. I grew up a devout Catholic, then in my early twenties I became a non-denominational Christian. However, I continued to attend various different religious denomination churches, as I could not find a non-denominational church I was comfortable with. In studying the bible at these church, in group forum each week, I see a blind following of the bible without question. However, we know the bible has been corrupted numerous times throughout history either through translation or by design. This was done to meet the desires and outcomes of past Kings or religious factions that helped design it and who elected to leave other books out of the bible. The finding of the "Dead Sea Scrolls" should have actually lead to changes in thought or a revised bible. But, to do that would force us to finally say, is the bible we have the true inspired word of God, or the word or of well-meaning men who were inspired via delusion. Don't get me wrong, I believe in God and Jesus Christ, I just don’t’ believe all of the rhetoric we read in the bible that most Christians attribute to God as His inspiration or to Jesus as his words. I feel this was due to the corrupt nature of the bible and some of the contradictions in it.
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John D. Partin
Just as the "love" of "Christians" is actually 99 times out of a hundred only hate disguised as "love": condescension, patronizing, and playing all kinds of games, their hypocrisy in sexual matters is equally obvious!! People can no more love all people spiritually and be good to all people indiscriminately, which isn't natural or psychologically or emotionally honest or healthy, than they can only indulge in sexual activity when they are madly and passionately in love with the other person, which is equally unnatural and unhealthy and pretentious! Love is most often "spiritualized" lust when it comes to sex, just as lust is actualized and realistic love. Sex is a natural human need and can't be deferred until this romantic fantasy of "falling madly in love" or "finding one's soul mate" occurs, but must be indulged in regularly in order to maintain good psychological and emotional health and avoid developing neurotic fixations, which could result in psychotic breaks with reality and public endangerment, as was demonstrated by sexual psychopaths, such as Jack the Ripper in sexually repressive Victorian England, and other such people down through history. Good healthy sex lives would have kept these persons from becoming so sick and hurting and killing other people. The antithesis of such a sexually frustrated person, quite obviously, as Jack the Ripper was the sexually well rounded and satisfied Grigori Rasputin, who, because of his indulgence in all the sex that he wanted, was a happy human being and no danger to other people (but actually endangered and killed by them, as it turned out!). No more than a person should only eat when they are ravenously hungry or madly and passionately in love with their food should they only have sex when they are sex starved and ravenous, too, and madly and passionately in love with another person, instead of just to satisfy the needs of the moment and not make such a big deal or production out of it and demand a lifelong commitment or have it demanded of him just to fulfill this need. This is, in no way, people's only using or disrespecting each other, but only their being human and satisfying human needs. This condemnation of lust by the church, the same as its condemnation of honest hatred of enemies and those who harm us and demanding that we "love" them, is only an attempt to alienate us from our true natures and frustrate us with our earthly lives, so that we can become more controlled and indoctrinated by the churches and made to pay the mortgages on temples of abstinence!! As Ambrose Bierce wrote: "A saint is a dead sinner, revised and edited". I give credit where credit is due and this idea about the Christian churches from Satanists is certainly true!! Let's live our lives here on Earth honestly and lust, hate, be angry (when appropriate and proportionally), be gluttonous, sometimes, and be the human animals that we actually are, instead of pretending to be "angels" and "saints", which we will never succeed at being!! So, I agree with Stella and Richard K. Sellars here, too.
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Marcellus
I just read this entire post and I find it interesting.. Im a Christian and I understand what Stella is feeling. Stella please understand that all Christians supposed to follow Christ and show love and compassion... This lust and sin issue is something we all have different views on.. Yes, the bible points out issues on lusting is and sin but, who are we to condemn anyone of there beliefs.. I have struggled with lust in a lot of areas , and I have realized that it affects me in a lot of areas that has hindered my growth or relationships if acted upon when I feel them.. Even tho we believe it's a sin based on bible reference , we don't have any rights to judge or condemn anyone of there beliefs. Jesus didn't condemn his enemy that crucified him. So coming from a Christian what so ever your faith and religion is built on we are to respect , love , and learn from one another for the truth of well being on earth... This a trick of the enemy to have us divided and not understand what we all need to unite.. God bless us all..
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Kathi Bennett
Amen!
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Michael Mangold
In my humble opinion, "lust" really means desiring someone sexually without consideration for his or her own feelings. This is very much in line with not committing "adultery" and not coveting what is your neighbor's. And I put adultery in quotes because we no longer have an appreciation that it really means having sex with another man's wife without his permission. Why do I say that? Because wives in biblical times were considered the husbands' properties. Abraham for example, let Sarah sleep with Pharaoh yet was considered a righteous man. As for me, I see nothing sinful about sleeping with another man's wife as long as everyone is OK with it. I know I am in the minority here but there is a Christian Swingers movement worldwide which is starting to blossom.
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Dr Carol
Jesus said He " did not come to abolish the law , but to fulfill it" When we read the command in the New Testament, we must ponder the meaning. It says " "We must love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind and soul, and neighbor as ourselves." We learn from mistakes and we know to be more careful and want to do the will of our Father, as we would any father,if we love them we certainly would not go around doing wrong if we truly loved all. In 2nd John Ch 6 "This is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love"He knows if we are true to his commands and if we are trying to do right. If we make 'mistakes' and 'ask forgiveness' we are forgiven. John Ch 14:15 'If you love me, you will obey what I command" It is our willingness to obey and to love Him and all others, and self.
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Ed Moriarty
Those of us who do not believe there is a book that defines right and wrong, find much of this discussion biased. Beautiful Belief can be from within the person, and there is no requirement to accept any source as an infallible power.
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Michelle
I say to all, SHARE SOMETHING NON CHRISTIAN instead of complaining about the christian system. I was under the assumption that this was the whole point to this community, not to whine and complain about what we see and don't like but to SHARE SOMETHING DIFFERENT. I have been hoping to see other views, all I see is narrow minded selfishness.
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PippE
As in most social network arenas I am familiar with, the participants appear to go out of the way to express views and comments of the opinions of others. This arena is, thankfully, no different.
My personal feeling is that while on earth we all participate one way or the other in the time allotted to us. Chaos results when civilized behavior exits the room. Maturity exists when we take responsibility for ourselves and our offenses to others.
It's easy to broaden the definition of right and wrong to capture our behaviors when there are others willing to join in. It is difficult to stand up and censor certain behaviors in our lives and express to others that maybe they should consider that too. (I used the word censor on purpose, though I could have said eliminate or curtail)
The commandments are not as easy to follow as it would seem. The older I am the more I realize the easier it was to follow those commandments as a younger person under my parents' roof. Have I stopped trying? Absolutely not. We all need goals and it matters not to me if others believe them to be based on antiquated scripture.
Lust is a word assigned to feelings that stretch our learned boundaries. Is it bad or not? Is it a natural instinct? Is that an excuse? What I do know for myself is that I have had crushes on people that would be considered lusting to some, but were really nothing more than finding my way into the dating scene in high school. I can honestly say I haven't lusted after anyone in the same sense the word seems to be used in previous comments. In marriages, I believe that sex should be between the two people in that marriage and no other. Just saying...
Boundaries are healthy and invaluable to our existence worldwide. Remember the word boundary refers to many things seen and unseen as in feelings, too.
I govern myself and have tried to teach my children to do the same, following the same set of goals; all attainable or not. I try very hard not to have any guilt over anything I do. And if guilt results, then I'm fairly certain there is an apology waiting to be given. I do not mind living this way at all. I find it to be very comforting and reassuring. Especially, when I find it so easy to pray and trust that I am being heard. The most difficult step in praying is listening.
Do with my comments as you will....
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Tricia
Mike according to the Bible , the pharaoh did not sleep with Sarah. In Genesis 20 it tells that Abraham told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister and that night he had a dream that God came to him and said ," You are about to die because of the woman you have taken, for she is a married woman." And in 20:4 it says he had not approached her.
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Aryan
Sad to say nowadays, many minor teenagers or unmarried couples engage in sex even if they are not yet married. They do sex for lust not for love.
I have a friend who has struggled for years trying to help her husband understand this sin. He tells her it's a "man thing" and is not a sin. I will be sure to bring this to her in hopes that he may be brought back to the path of God.