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Lust...

             Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. (I John 2:15-16)

 

            This is one of those passages that makes me wish things had labels. Yes, John lists the “everything in the world” that he’s talking about: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These don’t come from the Father, but from the world. But look around the room. What do you see that is one of those three, or the result of one of those three? Perhaps the better question is what isn’t?

            I suspect the truth of the matter may be that what is – or is not – one of those three has little to do with things. The picture on the wall may need a label now, and not later. Or it may need a label for me, but not for you.  and everything to do with our attitudes and attachments. Unfortunately, that really doesn’t change the problem. Instead of labels, we need claxons to go off when our attitudes and attachments sail toward the shoals of lust and pride.

            What makes life more difficult is the fact that lust and pride are ubiquitous. They’re everywhere. They’re normal. We notice them most when someone goes overboard or when someone else’s interferes with ours. Some might ask if it’s wrong for us to want nice things or to enjoy beauty. But wanting, liking, and enjoying are not the same as lusting and being proud.

          Lust is not always sexual. It’s an overwhelming desire or intense craving. It comes from a word meaning “pleasure.” Jealousy and envy are types of lust. A phobia is described as a fear that interferes with life. Lust might be said to be a desire that interferes with life. Is having a night out with your friends more important than paying the rent? Is your interest in him/her such that it gets in the way of your things your mind should be on?

          Equally, pride doesn’t have to be “Look at me, I’m perfect.” It could be “Don’t look at me, I’m imperfect.” It’s when you interfere with your life. Just imagine what we could accomplish if we weren’t distracted by all the things we think we need, but don’t.

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