Lust can be an easy word to use when we talk about sexual sin. But what do we mean when we use a word like lust to describe our struggle? It’s an important question to ask because we need to know what we mean when we choose the words we use.
At its root, lust is really just making your own porn. When you lust, you see and do things in your mind that would be called porn if you watched them on a computer screen.
Thing is: if you’ve ever lusted, you’ve made your own porn. Which is why we’re not called to lust, we’re called to love.
But what’s the difference between the two? Here are just a few to think about:
Lust says, “You exist for my pleasure.” Love says, “You exist for God’s pleasure and glory.”
Lust says, “Do what I say.” Love says, “How can I serve you?“ (Tweet This!)
Lust says, “Satisfy me.” Love says, “How can I satisfy you?“
Lust says, “It’s all about me.” Love says, “It’s all about you.“
Lust says, “Give to me.” Love says, “Take from me.”
Lust is selfish and self-serving. Love is selfless and self-sacrificing.
Maybe you’ve never gone to a porn website, but the hard truth is: if you’ve ever lusted, then you’ve filmed your own porn in your head! And not only that, you are the director and a main actor!
So now that you probably feel like crap, let me say this: it’s okay.
Because love is so much bigger and more powerful than lust. Especially when you begin to practice loving others in a community or family setting. So get involved in something today, whether it’s with your literal family, your church family, your school family, your online family, or a family you create out of friends. By intentionally loving a group of people – and letting them love you – you are taking the focus off of lust and putting on love. You’ve stopped making your own porn and started making your own family.
Which would you rather have?
Make Your Own Porn! by XXXchurch.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.