7 Sins Of A Disengaged Dad: 7 Day Bible Reading PlanНамуна

Lust

God created sex because only God could create something as good as sex. He did a great job! But we messed it up. Much like greed and gluttony, lust is an appetite for the forbidden. It hurts our relationships with our wife, our family, and our God. It reduces people to mere objects for the sole purpose of gratifying our pleasures.

In our sex-saturated society, lust can seem almost unavoidable. It’s everywhere. Television shows, commercials, magazines, billboards, twitter, instagram. Even if we don’t go looking for it, the temptation of lust is constantly in front of us. 

But marriage is the proper place for sex. That’s it. Scripturally, you’ll have a tough time getting past that. Sex beyond the bounds of marriage is dishonoring the other person and disobeying God. 

Our marriages are pictures of God’s relationship to people. Jesus and the church are the bridegroom and the bride. When we love our wives as Christ loved the church, we’re not just “setting a good example for our kids”. We’re showing God’s love to everyone around us. Our marriages are a living, breathing embodiment of the gospel. When we stain that relationship, we’re robbing others of a chance to see God.

With that said and lust lurking around every corner, what’s the game plan to fight it?

Run away. Sometimes we foolishly try to tempt temptation. Creeping as close to the line of sin without actually crossing over. This is a deadly game. The best thing we can do is follow the example of Joseph. When the temptation of lust tries cornering us, run. Don’t think, just run.

Run to God. Running away from lust is a good start but what we run toward is equally important. The more you know God, the less you will desire sin. The less you know God, the more you will desire sin. Running to God will ultimately mean worship.  

Let’s be honest, the sin of lust doesn’t really sneak up on us. We must be on guard. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23). As we put off the sin of lust, let’s learn to guard our hearts. Click here for applicable ways of guarding your heart.

Prayer

Dear God, would you please free me for the chains of lust? Teach me to guard my heart. Guide me in the way everlasting. Amen.

Reflection Question

Which of these statements best describe your approach towards lust: I’m good enough to get close without getting burned or I run from it? How’s that working out for you? 

About the author: This reading plan was written by Eric Ballard. Eric is a youth and college pastor in Texas where he lives with his beautiful wife and two daughters. He's the author of several books including a Field Guide for Manhood Journey called Keeping Score. 

If you found this reading plan helpful, find the full book 7 Sins of a Disengaged Dad. You'll learn to eliminate these sins from your life with practical tips you can use as a busy dad.