Lust of the eyes
Previously, we examined the lust of the flesh. We saw how the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil Luke 4. Today, we shall explore this temptation under the lust of the eyes. Bear in mind that lust simply means a strong desire for something and is not a bad word. The Greek definition from the Blue letter bible explains it as ἐπιθυμέω, epithumeō, ep-ee-thoo-meh’-o
From G1909 and G2372; to set the heart upon, that is, long for (rightfully or otherwise): – covet, desire, would fain, lust (after). While it has always presented a negative connotation, I believe it is only bad when satisfied outside of God.
The main temptation the devil brought to Jesus in all three instances is the temptation to do things outside of God. First, he wanted him to show off his power by turning stones into bread. Now, he wants him to worship him to acquire possessions. Bear in mind that the whole world was created by Jesus (John 1:1-5), and he would have no issues acquiring things in the world if he wanted. Still, his main agenda on earth was to do the will of God (John 3:16-17, Luke 4:18-19, John 5:19. Acquiring possessions, which is what lust of the eyes usually fuels, is a challenge we all face. Sometimes, it could be essential possessions, but often, the desire for more things. We want more things, we want bigger things, and we want them when we want them. The temptation here is that we tend to remove our focus from God and try to meet these desires ourselves.
Lust of the eyes – Luke 4:5-8. The devil takes Jesus to a high mountain and shows him all the world’s kingdoms. The aim is to tempt him by enticing him with all these pleasures of the world and for him to desire them, and then ultimately sin by worshiping him, the devil, to be able to have all the things (possessions) he has to offer. This is very relatable to all of us. Most of the time, we see and desire what the world has to offer, and sometimes, we are literally tempted to sell our souls to acquire them. Is it a bad thing to desire the things of the world? NO. I have a penchant for shopping 😉and do quite some damage to my account each month. The thing is not to desire the object or the things of the world, but how we go about obtaining and the mastery we display over them.
How do we get the beautiful things of the world or even the basic things in life? Do we turn to the Lord for our needs? Do we engage in corrupt practices to get more funds to fund a lifestyle we cannot maintain? Do we compromise our standards by succumbing to sin to accommodate a lifestyle we covet? There are many ways to get what we want, but as Christians (believers in Christ), Jesus Christ is to be our source for all things 1 Corinthians 8:6; Philippians 4:19; James 1:17; Ephesians 3:20; Psalm 16:2 (I could go on and on, the list is endless).
The enemy, Satan, can have us think that at the time we need some crucial things, God may not do it timely (in our own time) or that God may not be able to provide what we need or want (sometimes I am guilty of this). There are endless ways the enemy can use this to his advantage. But the ultimate goal is to turn us away from trusting God, his word, and his plan. One main way he does this is through timing. Sometimes, God answers us promptly; other times, he seems not to remember that particular need or want we have expressed. When this happens and the period extends, we can begin to feel desperate because it seems God has abandoned us.
There is the temptation to take matters into our own hands and to get the things we need by ourselves. That is how people in the world do it, and it seems to work quite well for them. Well, the thing is that we are not of the world: John 17:14-16; John 15:19: 1 John 4:4-6. As a result, when we take matters into our own hands, we tend not to appreciate the outcome, pretty much like the story of Abraham in the Bible. God told Abraham in Genesis 15:5-6 that he would have uncountable descendants. He also promised his biological child in Genesis 17:19. Well, he waited and got tired of waiting and then proceeded to do things his own way (Genesis 16:1-4). Was he happy to have a son? Yes, but the son brought strife to the family and, as a result, divided his home. Not God’s plan. But this is what usually happens when we start to feel bereft when a promise becomes long overdue. I pray that God will comfort us in these times and give us the grace to wait because he who promises to fulfill our needs is faithful and just to do so 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
Another thing is that when God gives us possessions, we are to use them to worship him. Being a believer in the kingdom of God is to allow him to guide how we use our material possessions. Not a very popular doctrine as we would rather use our resources for ourselves and not for kingdom practices. The enemy might tempt us to think that our possessions are ours only to do as we please and that God is not Lord over our possessions. We can do this by refusing to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our finances (by refusing to give to the poor, give tithes, give to the work of the gospel, help the needy, etc). We tend to see our material possessions as ours to do as we see fit. Well, the Bible says that God is the one who provides wealth and possessions for us (Ecclesiastes 5:19; 1 Samuel 2:7; Proverbs 10:22).
All in all, God loves us and wants the best for us. Funny, it does not feel that way sometimes. But the aim is that we need to trust him and trust his timing to do the best for us. Firstly, we need to understand that our needs and wants should come from God, and he alone can help us meet them in a way that allows us to genuinely enjoy them. Secondly, we must also allow him to guide us using what he provides. Outside of God’s wisdom, we rarely get it right as he has planned for us. Which can ultimately lead to sorrow or lack of fulfillment. It could be a marriage, and then we tend to worship the marriage instead of God, which can lead to abuse of the institution. When God gives a thing, he also provides a blueprint for its use. We need to learn how to trust him.
Well, if you have stuck with me this far and you are not born again. Then permit me to share the gospel with you. The Bible says that we are separated from God because of sin, but he loves you and I so much that he sent his son Jesus to die for us John 3:16. If you receive him, you will have salvation that is eternal life and you will be reconciled back to God. But if you reject him, then nothing but eternal damnation awaits you, which is not God’s plan for you.
Why, you may think, do I need God, particularly as we like to do things our own way and go along the path that we believe is best for us (Romans 3:23). Because the Bible says that God created man for himself (Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 2:10, Revelations 4:11). We are made in God’s image not to live our lives for ourselves. If we are honest, doing things our way has often resulted in an emptiness we cannot fill. That emptiness is made for God alone to fill; for us to live our lives for him the way he planned lies the true path to fulfillment.
If you would like to know God, you can say this simple prayer, “Dear God, forgive me of my sins. I admit that I have rebelled against you by being the lord of my own life. Please come into my heart and help me know you, in Jesus name”. That’s all; if you say this prayer, you are automatically grafted into the family of believers. Welcome to the family, where your life will never be the same again (courtesy of the Holy Spirit). I encourage you to get into a bible based church the Spirit will lead you to and enjoy your new birth. God bless you. I love you.
Please contact me! I will be glad to hear from you.