pramsay posted on October 11, 2007 03:29 2880 views

Lust Never Says: “That’s Enough!”

Just one more time. Just one more…or once more then I’ll stop.  When does lust say: “Okay, I’m satisfied – get on with your life?” 

The persistent dissatisfaction in the heart of man is seen in the history of the Children of Israel as outlined in Psalm 78. There you read the summary of their constant hankering for more – never satisfied. Despite the goodness of God, they always lusted for something else. God split open rocks and gave them cool refreshing spring water. He prepared and delivered every morning special food called Manna. But still they were not satisfied. More! More! More! They wanted real meat. “And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.” (Psa 78:18)  So He sent them quails – real meat. But did they settle down and get focused on honoring the Lord once their appetites were satisfied? No – they kept on wanting more. Never satisfied.

Hell and destruction are never full;

so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

(Proverbs 27:20) 

Regardless of the number of deaths, the grave is always waiting to receive more. No matter how much we try to please our eyes (lusts), there’s always a desire for more. I need to face this reality: my lust – my cravings will never be satisfied.

If it is an appetite for success or for more money, the next promotion will not be the end of my ambition. Lust never says: “Okay, you can stop now. You’ve had enough.”  For some people their lust is food – “Just one more burger or slice of cheese cake. Others say: “Just one more smoke. Then I’ll stop.” Others flip through a magazine and say: “Just one more lewd picture, then I’ll get rid of it.” Someone else says: “Just one more drink, then I’ll stop. That’ll be my last beer.”  The list goes on: “Just one more porn flick – this will be the last one I watch.” Or “Just one more toke, then I’ll quit.” Or “I just have one more set of books I want to buy then my library will be complete.” Or “Just one more session of gambling online, then I’ll get my act together.”  Or “I’m running out of room, but I need one more pair of shoes; one more thing for my wardrobe.” Etc.

But all the resolves to stop – seem to weaken over time. Know why? Because lust can not be satisfied.

Lust always cries: “More! More! Just give in and do it once more then you can call it quits forever. But please, pretty please, treat yourself to one more indulgence before you stop for good.”

You then violate your conscience and sin against your God and you are determined not to let it happen again. You confess your failure with contrition to the Lord. But before long – the desire is back.

John said the world is characterized by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life. (1John 2:16) Neither the world nor our flesh knows anything of satisfaction.

How can lust be overpowered? Galatians 5:16 has the only solution: Walk in the Spirit and ye SHALL NOT fulfill the lust of the flesh.”  It is the only formula that works every time.

How do you walk in the Spirit? Be clear on this: you can’t walk in the Spirit if you’re not enjoying your Bible – emphasis on the ‘enjoying.’ Feeding on Christ and enjoying the Word of God is the key. That’s when the real Spirit power is experienced in our lives.

When have you last ‘enjoyed’ your Bible? How do I know if I’m enjoying it? Answer: When I can say: “Lord, that’s just what I needed today. I will bow to Your Word, submit and surrender. Keep feeding me Father through the ministry of Thy Spirit opening up the Word of God to my heart and understanding. Give me the strength to honor Thee in my life.”

If I’m experiencing a power shortage in my life – it is only because I am not walking closely with the Lord. There is no satisfaction outside of Christ. Everything else cries constantly: “More, more, more.”  Lust never says: “That’s enough.” Christ alone satisfies.

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