| Lust is a strong craving or desire
to possess something. A similar word by definition is covet. We are Christians.
We should know what lust is, and what it isn't. Sometimes, however, it's
easier to let others think for us rather than take the initiative to think
things through for ourselves.
We are taught in Christian circles that lust and covetousness are sins,
yet we don't always stop to weigh our motives to determine the difference
between admiration, and a desire to possess the object of our admiration
in an ungodly way.
The title of this article may seem a bit absurd, yet I hope to use it
to make an important point. I like to view the beauty of God's creation
as much as anyone. When I see a particularly stunning tree or mountain
or landscape, there is great satisfaction in taking it all in and enjoying
God's handiwork.
I am also a musician and as such, when I hear a well-performed work
I derive a great deal of personal pleasure from the skill of the composer
and the skill of the musicians who have recreated the composer's work.
I am a jeweler, as well. When a patron brings me an intricate piece
of jewelry, I once again derive great pleasure from examining the piece
in detail and admiring the workmanship of God and man.
Finally, I am a human being. As hard as I've tried to squelch it over
the years, when I see or meet another human being who is either attractive
or creative or intelligent or unique in some way (as we all are, you know),
sometimes I find myself admiring that other person much like I would admire
a landscape, or a musical composition, or a piece of jewelry. Yes, I know
we have to compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges. I know
it's not appropriate to examine people in the same way as an "object."
Still, people are the
jewels
of God's creation, after all!
Let me carry this analogy a little further. Some jewels or gemstones
are valued specifically for their color; others for their unusual cut;
some for their unusual brilliance; and yet others for a particular phenomenon
such as the play of color (opals). There are just a myriad of reasons to
appreciate gemstones. Likewise, some people are just plain pleasing to
look at. That doesn't mean in a sexual way, necessarily. We have all experienced
a sense of admiration with the physiques of talented athletes. We even
watch them for extended periods of times. This isn't leering or lust in
and of itself. It could become that if the heart of the viewer is not right.
The comparison can go on with regard to intelligence, or artistic ability,
or any of the other facets of human beings which spur admiration.
To summarize briefly, just because someone admires a person — for whatever
reason — it does not mean "lust" is occurring. I admire my wife of thirty
years because she is beautiful in many ways. I have an intimate relationship
with her which I will not have with any other human being. I can admire
other people in a healthy way, as well.
And yes, that means I do admire others when I see them nude. Just because
I admire what God has created does not mean I have an intense desire to
possess them or be sexually intimate with them. The old adage which says
if we look at a woman more than once then we have committed lust is simply
not true. I would hope that others would value me enough to want to "see"
me more than once or to "talk" to me more than once. Lust is a problem
of the heart, not of the mind. Jesus told us to love others as ourselves.
In order to do so we must build relationships with people. Seeing people
in the flesh is part of building relationships. Also part of building relationships
is respecting the boundaries of others, and not taking friendship beyond
their comfort zone.
In closing, let me say that when I see another person, whether clothed
or unclothed, I choose not to lust after that person. I am capable
of lusting, but God has given me the freedom to live according to His will,
something which enables "more" freedom than the bondage of sin.
Editor's Note: Though the issue of lust had previously been
discussed in Fig Leaf Forum, the need to revisit this important topic was
heightened as a result of the emphasis it was given by Mark Roberts in
the debate published on this Web site and in Issue 55/56 of the newsletter.
This article is from Issue 59 and was written by a Fig Leaf Forum subscriber. |
