Love… Is NOT Lust
Everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father, but from the world.
1 John 2:16 (NIV)
Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:5 (BSB)
Love makes a spiritual connection with and through God, to bless all creation, while lust makes a physical connection with and through Satan, to creation’s harm.
Both love and lust are transformational. We’re either lifted up or taken down.
Love grows from the heart, where the Spirit lives.
Lust starts in the eyes, where temptations live.
Love refreshes us from the inside out.
Lust contaminates from the outside in.
Love brings freedom and clears a forward path.
Lust brings heavy chains and locks us in jail.
Love inspires us to give unselfishly.
Lust urges us to take and take and take.
Take what?
A look, a touch, a drink, a hit, a bite, a bet, a bribe, big bucks, or show-off bling. Also, credit where credit isn’t due.
Bottom line:
No matter what big talkers are saying, no matter what sly merchants are selling, no matter what Insta stars are wearing, no matter how much someone is paying…
No matter how real a conman appears, no matter how great the wrong role may seem, no matter how strong your desires may be...
Don't let Satan fool you. Lust is NOT love.
Because the pleasure from lust fades quickly, spurring you to get more on top of more, on an endless journey of emptiness– hurting you and the people around you.
But the joy from love increases daily, giving you fullness on top of fullness, on an endless path of satisfaction– overflowing to everyone you meet.
Consider some no-fail Bible advice:
Don't hang around temptations. Just say “No”. 'Pray that you may not enter into temptation' (Luke 22:40). 'If sinners entice you, do not consent' (Proverbs 1:10).
Practice self-control. (Yes, it takes practice!) 'I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified' (1 Corinthians 9:27).
When you stumble (everyone does), repent! 'He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy' (Proverbs 28:13).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Don’t let Christian fearmongers hold you back, telling you how “evil” Hollywood is. Temptations are everywhere, even church! God promises to help you through each one!
‘No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Love… Is NOT Lust (Part 4)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!