Do you believe "lust" is normal or from the devil?

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   MissMelissaKposted 10 years ago

   Do you believe "lust" is normal or from the devil?
   
   The reason I ask is because I feel there is a difference between a "healthy desire" and "lust".  Lust grabs you and holds you captive, almost like a drug addiction.  Desire grows over time and does not hold you in the same desperate manner that lust would.  Jesus told us not to lust after others.  Think of the millions of families and businesses that have been destroyed by lust.  Lust is now part of our culture and media, that we hardly blink an eye, until it crosses a line, such as Miley Cyrus proved at the MTV Awards.  Do you feel lust is normal or a definite problem in our society?

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   Sri Tposted 10 years ago

   I believe it's normal. Just like anything, when it's satisfied it goes anyway. Then it comes back again. Everybody has desires at different levels. Young people appear to be more driven. As they get older, they slow down too. It becomes less important. It's just part of nature. Most religions have a problem with sex, so they should not be the measure or the authority on the subject.

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I feel it doesn't go away.  I feel "lust" is like a fire.  If you feed it, it will grow and get bigger.  Many people have a problem secretly with lust.  The "lust" business is making billions for a reason because of the millions in secret bondage.

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      Sri Tposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      That may be true, but it still has to peak and decline in those people at some point. I don't see too many senior citizens on fire as you put it. LoL!

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      Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Lust may not go away, that is why it is our responsibility to monitor our thoughts and actions, so we could identify when unwanted characteristics are creeping up on us.

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   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   I think you're confusing lust with greed and/or gluttony. Lust as a sexual thing is perfectly natural and how we propagate the species. When I see my husband who I think is beautiful and wonderful, I sometimes lust after him. It's not sinful. Lust is a healthy desire. Greed and gluttony on the other hand are different things. Anything can be turned into something bad - spoonful of sugar, perfectly fine - full bag of sugar is gluttonous and harmful to your health. Sip of wine, fine - alcoholism, bad.  All things in moderation, but lust can be a very healthy thing for a relationship.

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The definition of lust is uncontrolled sexual desire.  What you speak of is normal desire for your husband.  If you took that same desire and slept with your neighbor, the milkman and the mailman, you may just have a problem with lust.

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      ChristinSposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      No, then I'd have a problem with selfishness. If my neighbor is hot and I notice - that's a form of lust. I don't act on the natural lustful urge because my inner core tells me that to cheat on my husband would be wrong. we make choices, not devils.

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   johndnathanposted 10 years ago

   Lust is a perfectly natural response that plays an important part in our evolution, as it helps to initiate procreation for the survival of the species.  There will be more lust during and just after puberty when the species is most physically able, yet not entirely mentally capable for childbirth.  It is a system that is optimized for producing as many children as possible to counteract the high infant mortality that was prevalent during our primitive times.

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      There is plenty of lust in the 80+ set now that we have Viagra and the STD rate is skyrocketing for the senior set so how do you like them apples?  I believe that lust is not from the Holy Spirit.  I believe it is from the enemy.

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      johndnathanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think you meant to comment on another person's post as I neither mentioned anything about senior citizens, nor did I refer to any religious beliefs.

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      Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Lust is the main resaon that we have so many issues in society People are so interested in sex, they do not fully consider that they will create unplanned for and possibly unwanted children.

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      johndnathanposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I never said it was a good thing.  I merely stated that it was a natural response involved with our evolution.  While civilization has become advanced in a mere 15,000 years it'll take another million years or so for our natural evolution to catch up

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   tastiger04posted 10 years ago

   Having lust is just a part of being human.  Certain communities may try to convince you it is "the devil" to make you behave in a way they want you to.  But we can't help how we feel naturally, all we can do is control our own behavior to do what we think is the right thing!

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The Holy Spirit guides me.  As a Christian, we are to think holy, pure, clean and lovely thoughts. My faith guides me with obedience and the desire to do the will of God. I don't believe that God created "lust". Lust is "inappropriate sexual thought.

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You do realize that to ever be sexually attracted to the person we marry, we must feel lust at some point.

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      Insane Mundaneposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree.  Lust feels really natural to me, too!

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      jonnycomelatelyposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Did your god ever tell you that you are not allowed to enjoy the results of lust?   Where is your guilt coming from?   Maybe what someone else has convinced you of for their own ulterior motive(s).

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   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   I don't think any families have been destroyed by lust. That's just what they tell themselves to justify the fact their marriages lacked key components. Lust is such a big part of our media because it IS normal. It's a basic human emotion like feeling sad or happy. What Miley did has nothing to do with lust and everything to do with attention seeking (most likely because of unresolved personal issues).

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I disagree.  I think many families have been blown apart by lust.  Think of affairs of the heart, cheating.  Lust is not normal.  The media makes it normal.  We aren't supposed to go around and visualize everybody in a million different lewd ways.

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      sarahmooseposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have to agree with peeples, and I think in some cases lust is part of what keeps a marriage going!! Sexual attraction can be a cause of an affair, but its about self control too.

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      Darrell Robertsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with MissMelissaK, lust is not the norm. It is a destructive force, and if we believe in self preservation, then we would be careful not to get destroyed by lust or destroy anyone else because of our lust.

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   thomasczechposted 10 years ago

   I think you answered your question very well. Lust is not from God at all. It has become the norm in todays society, but it is not normal. Unfortunately it is everywhere and children are being bombarded daily by lust in the media.

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      When I was young, I thought it was "normal". Now that Jesus has saved me, I understand by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, just how wrong it is.  You hit the nail on the head. Society makes it the norm and I agree, children are being bombarded daily.

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   junksellerposted 10 years ago

   Sexual desire is sexual desire. It is always the same stuff. It is a compulsion,not unlike hunger. It sounds like you are defining lust as uncontrolled sexual desire, not unlike if one didn't eat for days, their hunger could become ravenous and uncontrolled.
   
   I don't think anyone would argue that uncontrolled sexual desire is a good thing, but it important to point out that sexuality that one doesn't really agree with or understand doesn't automatically make it a bad or uncontrolled sexuality.
   
   A poor diet can be damaging to the body just the same as a poor sexual diet can be damaging to the body and spirit as well. But, everyone is different as are their diets. Some people eat meat. Some people don't. Some people like to be tied up and spanked, others don't. Some people like to eat dainty meals without much variety. Others like to gorge themselves on something different every night. There is no absolute right and wrong in either of those and the only person who is truly in bondage to their lust is the person who pretends they are satisfied with their meal when they are not and as far as that goes I have seen people on both ends of the spectrum for whom that was true.
   
   Point being that I don't think our raw sexual desire is ever a bad thing or abnormal. It becomes a problem only when we deny the truth of our hunger. Essentially when we try to starve our desire. That is the when it becomes ravenous and uncontrolled.

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   sarahmooseposted 10 years ago

   As a scientist, I can tell you that lust is a natural reaction as a result of changes in the balance of hormones, and this will effect a change in behaviour on both the brain and the body. This would mean that it is a natural process, and has been happening since the start of the human race. It is essential for the establishment of procreation, and the advancement of the human race, and yes, desire and lust can be the same thing. If you are married and desire someone else, that to me is no more acceptable than saying you have lust for that person. And the Collins English dictionary defines the terms as the following:
   
   Desire: to wish or long for; crave; want; covet
   
   Lust: a strong desire or drive
   
   Note that even the dictionary describes lust as desire; these terms are interchangeable. And if you want to refer to the bible, isn't coveting (a definition of desire) supposed to be wrong too?

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      MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      So as a scientist, would you say its natural to rob, cheat or kill if my hormones tell me its only natural?  I think what I'm getting at is lust is an inability to control one's sexual desire.  There is no restraint so therefore it is a sin.

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    Darrell Robertsposted 10 years ago

    I think we all have the potential to have "lustful' thoughts.  From the scriptures that I follow even the highly elevated beings could fall prey to lust if they do not carefully control their thoughts and behavior. 
    
    I think that having an "attraction" towards people or things is natural.  I think that lust is where that attraction "crosses the line".  I
    
    I think if a person has faith in the Divine and know the Divine to be good, then they would not be influenced by the "Devil".
    
    Best wishes

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    Lynn812posted 10 years ago

    Lust is NOT of God. Normal attraction, pertaining to finding someone attractive or not, is. That is why members of the opposite sex can find someone attractive or not.What we do after the initial recognition of someone else's beauty is what defines lust. Satan is the Tempter, and he will not tempt us in areas that we DO NOT focus on or allow our minds to be constantly on. If we are always thinking of the opposite sex, if we allow our eyes to constantly fall and gaze on immoral pictures such as pornography or even some television for that matter, then we have opened the door for Satan to constantly tempt us in that area. That is why God says to guard our hearts and minds and to be careful what we see.  If we continue to gaze and then allow those moments to turn into desire, that is what constitutes lust. Satan is a liar and a deceiver whose been tempting since the fall of man. He will give us humans all the excuses we need: I'm only human, everybody does it, it's natural, just a little won't hurt, etc. The problem is, when we allow ourselves to be captive by immoral desires such as lust, over time our hearts become hardened. When that happens we cannot hear or comprehend what the bible says in regards to temptation. The bible clearly states that lust is sin. In fact Jesus says to look at a woman with desire is considered adultery. The answer is to walk in the Spirit. That is the only thing that will allow a person to overcome temptations in any area. Here's a test. When you are lusting, begin to recite a Psalm. Immediately the temptation will leave. Not just coincidence. 1John 2:16 sums it up best: For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world (Satan). We know that Satan is the ruler of this world. And yes, many, many families have been destroyed by lust and sexual immorality. Anyone who doesn't see that may have scales upon their eyes and a hardened heart. Satan is out to destroy families because he knows that families are God's most prized possession. Guard your heart and temptation WILL flee. James 1:14-15 :But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.  Psalm 119:9-10: How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!

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       MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Your words are most refreshing and I can see the Holy Spirit working in you.  You have a sincere desire to follow the Lord and it shows.  I agree with you.  When I get tempted I say "In the name of Jesus, I rebuke you!" Or the 23:1 Psalm "The Lord...

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       Lynn812posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Great question. And as long as we follow the Word, we will be submitting to the authority of our Heavenly Father who promised to keep His children in the palm of His hand!

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       NiaLeeposted 8 years agoin reply to this

       yep it is an etymological question as much as a rhetorical and practical, definition of desire and lust, different.

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    KenDeanAgudoposted 10 years ago

    Lust is absolutely normal and human in nature but in a way that we will not be thinking bad things, acting it or either saying it. Lust comes from the flesh of man, the only thing that comes from devil is when we do, act, say bad things when we feel it.

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    Rosana Modugnoposted 10 years ago

    Lust is a natural emotion brought on by circuitry in the brain when you encounter something appealing to your senses.  Everyone has this feeling, regardless what they want to believe.  It's naturally brought on in order for us to procreate because without it, our bodies would not respond to the senses.

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    Borsiaposted 10 years ago

    Lust is perfectly normal and it is the very first thing that we feel.
    Within seconds of seeing someone your subconscious mind has already registered them as either sexually desirable or not.
    This takes place regardless of our level of self control and there is nothing we can do about it, nor should we.
    The question comes when we decide to act on that feeling. Most often the answer will be no but it is still the first point of attraction that eventually leads to a more meaningful relationship.
    Lust is nothing new it has been with us for as long as there has been an us to be with. In ancient times lust was all that mattered it wasn't until civilization grew that emotions like love began to make ground.
    It wasn't until much later that man invented gods and religion entered the picture.

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    DanKisposted 10 years ago

    there is nothing normal in lust and that is from a Christian point of view and anything away from that may not be in the same view as a Christian

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    krillcoposted 10 years ago

    Lust is selfish and desire is giving. I remember when Pope John Paul stated that a man should not lust for his wife, and people went nuts; but he was right, desire for you spouse is holy and giving, lust is selfish and sinful.

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       MissMelissaKposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Absolutely! I agree.  Lust is selfish and not from God.  Can anyone be holy and lustful at the same time?  It's not possible.  God calls us to be holy.  The enemy works with "deception".  Just because something looks good, doesn't mean it is good.

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    Rayne123posted 10 years ago

    I think lust is a very normal part of life. Just like eating chips or drinking, or drugs. I dont think there is anyone alive that has not fallen into these categories.
    
    I also believe that many young people believe when they are in love that sometimes it is only lust/physical attraction. As they get older they come to realize that the person they lusted over is now a thing of the past.
    
    God does not expect us to be perfect he know we are humans living in his creation, however he also leaves free will if we want it that is, and that free will leaves us to decide what we think is wrong or right in our own eyes.
    
    Lust is healthy to some degree however if you lust after anyone or someone rather than your spouse then it may be an excuse to wonder away from the relationship. The bible says to look at a woman with lust is a sin, the man already has thoughts in his head. Being normal part of our emotions as humans this is something we cannot by pass at times, however we can control any feeling, thought or action we choose to.
    
    I do not think it is the devil, I however think its a temptation of the heart as well as anything else that may be a sin in this world or not proper.
    
    As humans we sometimes use our emotions to justify our actions and that in itself is a sin.

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