Overcoming Lusts
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)
Paul described an internal conflict he faced daily when he wrote, “The flesh lusteth against the Spirit.” Flesh refers to the physical body and natural human desires. Lust is not limited to inappropriate desires; it signifies an intense longing or craving. It involves setting your heart strongly and passionately on something. You can lust after someone else's success, popularity, possessions, or any pleasure that pulls you away from God’s plan.
If left unchecked, these cravings of the flesh can grow into full-blown obsessions that pull your mind and body away from your purpose, leading to unhealthy comparison, competition, and jealousy. They can make you want things so intensely that you are willing to hurt others, deliberately go against God’s Word, or even sabotage situations to get ahead. God’s Word warns us about the pitfalls of this kind of desire, highlighting how destructive it can be to relationships and your spiritual health.
I’ve witnessed it ruin many individuals, even pastors. They become jealous of other pastors, driven by lust and competition, and harbor ill will toward anyone who is favored. Rather than seeking God’s guidance, they adopt a carnal approach. They let their bodies and emotions dictate their actions.
Before we knew Christ, our natural response was to follow every impulse our flesh or emotions gave us. Even though God has changed and empowered us, those same old impulses still fight against our new nature, partly due to the patterns we have established.
Thankfully, we now have the ministry of the Holy Spirit working within us, providing the strength we need to resist the impulses of lust and guiding us toward a life that honors God.
Practical Application
When was the last time you were led away from God by strong emotions or desires? It could be envy, jealousy, or a craving for things not aligned with God’s will. Establish the habit of praying first when these feelings arise and say, “Holy Spirit, lead me today. I yield to You. Help me walk by Your power, not my will.”
