The Animal

Good morning! In Romans, Paul referred to our sinful earthly nature as the flesh. That animal part of us that is in constant heat is the lust of the flesh. We see another human being attractive to our eyes and we lust. We fight addictions and desires all of our lives, but almost all of us have to a greater or lesser degree the constant reminder of sexual desire. Some have said that we are sexual creatures from conception to coffin. I'm not sure that embryos are bothered with lust quite that soon, but it does make a point. We try various ways to deal with this lust throughout our lives. Some join convents or cults and take a vow of chastity. Others remove themselves from human company entirely. Some of us may think that marriage is a sure-fire cure for lusting after members of the opposite sex. Some desire is good, such as the desire of the young groom for his bride. How do we tell what is lust and what is the desire God gave us to engage in legitimate marriage? We might ask: do I desire to get, or to serve?

Love serves, as Jesus did for so many during his life and with his sacrificial death. Lust wants, as David did prior to his adultery with Bathsheba. Love demands an effort; lust comes easily. Love is a conscious decision, and lust comes with no thought at all. We can lust after many things such as power, money, or toys, but love is directed at God and our fellow humans. The world has diluted the meaning of the term, but we as followers of Christ should take the meaning of love back to the Bible. As Jesus commanded, we are to love one another.

Love a little today,
Bucky