Each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God.—1 Thessalonians 4:4-5.

Lust is misplaced affection that can lead to perverted passion. It is an unhealthy drive to satisfy selfish desires. If unbridled, it breaks up relationships and controls a person’s conscience. Lust treats people as objects of self fulfillment, instead of precious creations from Almighty God. Sadly, there is a point when perversion is so embedded in an individual’s behavior that the Lord gives them over to their shameful lusts. It’s a fire that consumes its host and exploits its prey.

We who know God, know better. Before Christ, lust may have loomed over our lives like a dark storm cloud. After Christ, the love of the Lord shone forth to satisfy the longings of our heart and soul. God’s grace breaks the chains of a conscience controlled by illicit images or led away by lewdness. The Holy Spirit replaces unholy spirits, so we put to death dangerous obsessions. In Christ we walk in intimate fellowship with Him. Lust’s allure is expunged by God’s ardent love.

“God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones”—(Romans 1:26).

Are you longing for authentic love? Has lust lured you into a dark corner of loneliness? Start by exposing it for what it is—a very, very cheap imitation of intimacy. In many ways lust is like a piece of art bought at an auction, but later discovered to be a fake. It presents itself as real for all who bid on its deception. Get rid if this forgery that steals away your authentic love relationship with your heavenly Father. Let go of lust, so you can love well those who desire to love you well.

Replace sexual lust with the joy and security of being satisfied by your spouse. Replace material lust with the grace of generosity. Replace the lust for power with the freedom in sharing your seat of influence with trusted advisors. Confess your areas of struggle with those who can stand with you. Resources like Covenant Eyes are best implemented with others who long for loving accountability. Most of all, lean into the Lord’s loving arms of affection!

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth”—(Colossians 3:1-2, KJV).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I long to be loved by You, so my security and identity rest in Your affection.

Related Readings: Numbers 15:39; Matthew 5:28; Philippians 3:19-20; 1 John 2:16