This morning as I was reading and studying, I realized that lust is all about the self. I read in Proverbs 11 where the wisdom is directed at the opposites of good and evil. As I look closely at the contrast, the evil is centered around self gratification and the lifting up of oneself. It is the good and righteous that are concerned with others.
“13Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered. 14Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” “24One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” “26The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.” — Proverbs 11:13-14 & 24 & 26 (ESV)
I was reviewing the word “lust” in verse six and as is good practice, I read the entire chapter to understand the context of the verse and found the contrast of righteousness and evil. After reading God’s word here in the chapter, I realized that good is about others and evil is about self. This falls directly into the idea of lust. With lust being an intense longing, it is all about the self longing and gratification and not that of others. This is where we go wrong and where we find ourselves consumed with that we long for.
“6The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the treacherous are taken captive by their lust.” — Proverbs 11:6 (ESV)
Focus is good, but being consumed can lead to destruction. It is good to know where you are headed and focusing on the destination, but we should still be conscious of the journey to be sure that we are not missing something that could benefit others as we go. I have a good focus in the mornings with my study to know that I am working to learn and grow in my faith with my study. I also am aware that I have an audience, no matter the size or whether known or unknown that are looking at my thoughts and deriving their own from them. That awareness keeps me from being consumed and knowing that I have a purpose for others and not myself.
It is lust where we are driven to do things in the interest of self. I have to remember that ultimately it is not about me, only about God and the work He has for me to spread the gospel and bring glory to Him.
What do you have in your life that is solely for the self? Are you focused on those things or are you consumed by them? What if you turned to serving others as opposed to self instead?
Trevor's Thoughts 