Controlled Desires

Today's Verse:

That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words. ~Proverbs 7:5

---

The words “to lick” or “licking” are used to describe the act of defeating and overcoming a contestant or foe. A baseball, basketball, hockey, or football team that decisively beats their opponent might summarize their victory as, “We gave the other team a good licking.” This morning, we are looking at the importance of overcoming the problem of lust. Lust is a strong fleshly craving and desire. It is a desire that enflames the mind and soul until that lust is consumed. The context concerning lust is when a strong burning desire drives a person to enter into a forbidden relationship with the opposite gender. When we give in to our lustful desires, we wind up in immorality and many hurtful consequences.

There is the deception in lust.

Lust is deceitful in its approach. It appeals to the carnal and unprotected nature of our flesh. “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust has conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” When lust attacks us, it draws us away through our senses of sight, hearing, and smell. All reasoning becomes dull and unheeded. The more we think about the object we lust after, the stronger the pull and desire. We believe the lies that the devil places in our thoughts. We justify submitting to our lustful desires by thinking that it is alright for us to give in and that no one will know. Lust is flattering and deceitful when it makes its appeal.

There is the destruction in lust.

Giving in to our lusts leads to a path of terrible destruction. Solomon compares this destruction as an ox going to the slaughter and as a fool to the correction of the stocks. Giving in to lust will take away your innocence and your purity. Giving in to lust will lead to the transmission of diseases. Giving in to lust will lead to repeated sins. Our thinking becomes a stronghold for Satan to continuously tempt us in this area. Our credibility with those closest to us is ruined. Giving in to lust leads to much destruction.

There is the deliverance from lust.

We must flee youthful lusts. Remove yourself from all sources of lustful temptations. Set no wicked thing before your eyes. Avoid entering into websites, reading sinful books, looking at magazines, and listening to any suggestions that seek to entice you. The further you are away from the source of lust, the better off you are. Do not allow yourself to be alone with someone of the opposite gender.

There is the defensive against lust.

Listen and be attentive to the counsel of your parents, pastor, and spiritual leaders who instruct you to be careful about the dangers of lustful desires. Memorize Scriptures that emphasize holy living. Remember that the will of God for your life is to avoid immoral relationships. Guard your heart with all diligence.

Overcoming lust takes planning, prayer, and precaution. You can be successful over its strong cravings, but you must be yielded to the power of the Holy Spirit in order to be a winner.

Have a consecrated God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 30-31

#Proverbs #Lust