For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
1 John 2:16
When I was in my 20s, I fell in love with God, but I still had a lot of junk to deal with because I had been a very immoral person before I got saved. I went to my pastor, Olen Griffing, and said, “I don’t know what to do. I have a lot of lustful thoughts, but I don’t know how to get rid of lust. Is there anything you can share with me or a book you can give me that will help?” I’ll never forget what happened next. He looked at me, put his hands on my head and prayed, “Father, I pray that You will cause Robert to fall passionately in love with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Then he just walked away. That prayer changed my life.
Over the last few days, we’ve been talking about different ways the Enemy tries to choke us and keep us from the Word of God. One way he does this is by trying to give us a desire for other things. In my case, it was physical lust, but it can be much broader than that. Maybe we’re lusting for more possessions, another spouse, more clothes or a different job. I’ve seen this cause more depression in people than anything else because they’re never satisfied. The only thing that can satisfy the human soul is God, not a new car or a new house.
Now, take another look at today’s verse, 1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” Paul uses the word lust. When we think of this word, we probably think of it in a negative, sexual connotation. But the root of the word that translates to “lust” (epithemia) actually means “passion.” God created you with passion, but Satan twisted it into lust. We’re supposed to be passionate about God and people, but Satan turns it to lust for the wrong people and the wrong things, which keeps us from the Word of God.
Do you know what the Lord spoke to me in my quiet time the morning after Pastor Olen prayed for me? He said, “Son, it’s a passion for Me that drives out lust for others.” It’s that simple. Pursue the Lord—not so you can check it off your list, but so you can fall passionately in love with the One who is passionate for you.
Prayer
Father, I want to fall passionately in love with You. Help me to keep my eyes on You so that my desire for other things will fall away. Give me a renewed passion for Your Word today so that I can know You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For Further Study
Galatians 5:16–25James 1:14–151 Peter 2:11
Memory Verses
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6–7