Just One Look (Issues of Lust)

By Ricardo Barber

To say that we live in a highly sexualized society today is an understatement. From fashion to music, commercials, television, and movies, sexuality confronts us everywhere we turn. The old axiom “sex sells” is so true. Unfortunately, it can also lead to experiences that cause a lifetime of regret, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, premarital and extramarital sex, addiction and a host of other problems.

Every Sunday in churches throughout America, members of our congregations are dealing with sexual issues. God’s Word has the definitive answer to our problems and is the guide we know it to be, turning to non-Christians sources (i.e. Oprah or Dr. Phil) only makes the problem worse.

How does Satan tempt you? Or how are you enticed by sin? Perhaps by an attractive person who passed in front of you? What went through your mind as you looked at him or her? Were your thoughts honorable or not so honorable?

We all know the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:1-27). It was only a look (v. 2) that led to David’s sin. David had time on his hand because he was not at war with his army. How are you using your free time? There’s an old saying’ “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” That idle mind can look upon another person with a lustful eye; it can watch a movie or T.V. program that is morally bad. It can lead to websites on the net that then lead to impurity. David’s look would bring about adultery, murder, the death of a child, and chaos for his family as well as the nation.

David’s look led to a plan (vv. 3-17). Verses 3 and 4 reveals David’s plan. It’s bad enough that he was looking at Bathsheba while she was bathing; he then decides to inquire about her and send for her. This one sexual sin leads to another sin and another and another to where he eventually kills her husband Uriah. Looks and plans have consequences. James makes it very clear when he writes in James 1:14-15: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Do you see the progression? First desire (the look), then the sin, and last the consequences.

David’s plan led to destruction (vv.25-27). His life goes downhill after that. Verse 25 shows us how repeated sin can harden the individual, helping us to become more desensitized. What you begin to do seems too innocent and harmless. You trivialize it by saying, “It’s no big deal.” You rationalize it: “Everyone does it.” You internalize it: “Only I will know what I am doing.” There is no such thing as a secret sin. God who is our judge sees all.

The best time to deal with temptation is before it happens. Woodrow Kroll gives five memorable ways to avoid temptation: First, anticipate it, always be sober and paying attention. Second, avoid it; situations and people we know create temptation. Third, admit it, the potential and actual areas in our lives. Fourth, appraise it; understand temptation by reading God’s word. Every temptation presents the possibility of failure, but it also creates an opportunity for growth. Fifth, is activating your dependence on the Holy Spirit.

God is with you, walk by the Spirit and DEAL with the LOOK first!!!!