9.30.2010

Fight Lust

Lust will never go away this side of the Eternal City. The empty satisfaction that the things of this world lure us with every moment of everyday are a reminder that we are creatures awaiting to be eternally satisfied. This is clear in the Apostle John's first letter,

For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:16-17)

Lust must be filled with something that will not pass away, which John reminds us of here, is the destiny for the things of this world. This is contrasted with the one who does the will of God, implying that, when God's will is fulfilled, so to is our lust or our ultimate satisfaction.
So in fighting the lust of your eyes amidst all the sparkling empty things of this world, look to the better promise: That Jesus has come and will come to fulfill the will of God, and in Him and through Him, find eternal satisfaction. If you're going to lust, lust for Jesus.

Jonathan Dodson, lead pastor of Austin City Life, has articulated a great Gospel-centered approach to responding to lust. Check out this article and other great resources on Gospel-centered discipleship here.