Learning to Live Without Lust
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Contemporary society is obsessed with sexuality and lust. But it is a false narrative to believe that all sexual desire is evil.
Throughout the history of the Church, many Christians have adopted the narrative that sexual desire is bad; and complete celibacy is good. The Church's narrative often comes through relative silence: Don't ask, Don't tell, Don't talk about sex.
By refusing to address sexuality, we imply it is sinful. Our silent narrative leads to shame and denial about something that ought to be affirmed.
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Throughout the history of the Church, many Christians have adopted the narrative that sexual desire is bad; and complete celibacy is good. The Church's narrative often comes through relative silence: Don't ask, Don't tell, Don't talk about sex.
By refusing to address sexuality, we imply it is sinful. Our silent narrative leads to shame and denial about something that ought to be affirmed.
Sexual desire is indeed Good . . . when it lines up with God's original plan for us based on our level of commitment and need for physical intimacy through marriage. Jesus' narrative points out the problem. Lust is the problem. The word used for "lust" in the original Greek is epithumia. This word refers to more than sexual attraction. It is also used to describe intentionally objectifying another person for one's own gratification.
Living in the Kingdom is the solution to overcoming lust and living a life that honors God in all aspects of our life.