Lusting

‘The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor is the ear filled with hearing.' Man, is that as applicable today as it has ever been before? Our women are extorted for their bodies and appeal. Our children are deluged with advertisements, unbiblical principles, and colorful and fast-paced entertainment to mold them into ravenous consumers and entitled “progressives”. We cannot speak to the person next to us at the coffee shop but we’ll publically condemn someone across the country for their political stance.

We are never satisfied. Growth, money, sex, and success fade as soon as we achieve them. We want more, and it only destroys our community, as well as our own identities.

I was listening to a sermon recently (of a preacher I cannot remember) and it included a fascinating point. The angel Gabriel was God’s messenger; he did not carry a sword. Michael was God’s warrior; He did not deliver the good news. Just as each angel was confined to its role, so too was Lucifer (Satan). Known for his beauty and responsible over the earth and its praise of God, before his downfall, Lucifer can now only leverage his beauty. The sins and desires of this world are so appealing, like a siren’s song of Greek mythology, until we take the bait. As soon as we sin against our God, our spouse, ourselves, or others, the veneer is gone and we can then see more clearly what was so ugly and wrong all along.

Such is the way of this world. Solomon knew it, too. Elsewhere in Ecclesiastes, he pursues wisdom and folly. Pursues wine and women. All of it leaves him wanting something more eternal—something more permanent. God is our only permanent fulfillment. It is His image we bear, and His home that we so desire to return.

Be emboldened and strengthened. It’s good to pursue growth, but not to obsess over it. It’s wise to heed counsel, but not that which is counter to God’s wisdom in His book. Apply His Omni-faceted advice to your life, and watch Him bless you for your steadfast obedience.

Memorizing His words

Each week, we'll string short verses of Jesus' words together. Take a moment to etch them on your heart so you can take joy in His promises for you.

Matthew 5, ESV

v3: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

v4: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

v5: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.