Avoiding Lust

In the Bible, lust is defined as a disordered, intense desire, often sexual, that disregards God and objectifies other people.

It is a selfish craving for pleasure or possession that leads away from God.

Here are four things that are effective in countering aberrant thoughts and self-talk in regard to sexual lust.

First: recite Scripture.

Examples:

• "I will set nothing wicked before my eyes . . ." {Psalms 101.3 NKJV}
• ". . . whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right . . . think about these things." {Philippians 4:8 NASB}
• "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." {Proverbs 14:12 NIV}
• "Be sure of this, your sin will find you out." {Numbers 32:23 Paraphrase}

Second: use affirmations based on Scripture.

Examples:

Scripture: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." {Romans 13:14 NASB}

Affirmation:

• I'm putting on Jesus; I make no provision for the flesh.

Scripture: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust upon a girl." {Job 31:1 TLB}

Affirmations:

• I will not look upon a girl with lust.
• Don't lust.

Scripture: "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." {Romans 6:11 NKJV}

Affirmation options:

• I'm dead to sin; I'm alive to God.
• I choose to be dead to sin.
• I'm dead to sin.

Third: Train your eyes to bounce; that is, don't look a second time. And don't stare.

THEN, THINK ABOUT SOMETHING ELSE.

Finally: "Fix your eyes on Jesus." {Hebrews 12:2 paraphrase}

Picture Jesus and focus on Him. This can be especially effective.

Note: Recommended article for more information: Masturbation & Pornography.

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