A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver [Proverbs 25v11]
Last week we commenced a study on the three pitfalls that we must avoid if we want to experience the joy and contentment God wants us to have. The dangers are found in the 1st Epistle of John chapter 2v16: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world”.
Today we look at lust of the eyes. Eyesight is a wonderful blessing enabling us to enjoy this amazing creation we live in, but it can be a curse if a glancing look becomes a lingering lust. What is lust? It is an obsessive self-indulgence that takes from others with no concern for what effect it has on them. Lust is the opposite of love which is a self-sacrificial desire to give to others. Because lust is selfish, the lust of the eyes is anti-social and has life-changing consequences – not just for ourselves, but for our loved ones and those who are innocent bystanders. We are all guilty of lust of the eyes from time to time, but if we are sensible and pro-active, we will close the door to the temptation by closing the web site, averting our eyes and fleeing from the person or thing which is arousing the lust.
Then we must do the spiritual thing and confess our sins to the Lord because “He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” [1 John 1v9]. Then we will continue to enjoy peace, harmony with others and contentment which is treasure beyond measure.
Next week we will look at the deadly sin of pride and how to avoid it.
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood