1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

When you think of lust, what image do you get? Most of us relate lust to the sexual aspects of desire. Perhaps that is because hormonal responses are so strong. Here John lists two lusts, of the flesh and of the eye. The eye in and of itself is but a way to see. It sees but has no emotions. However we covet that which we see. The issue of lust is covetousness. We want to possess it.

Ever go window shopping? The first time I met my current wife, God said, “Take her shopping.” It was our first date, we were trying to get to know each other. We went to the Outlet Mall and window shopped. It was amazing how much we revealed about each other in sharing what we saw. Our likes and dislikes, our preferences of style and dreams. All this in a non-evasive manner seen thru our eyes.

There is a lot of fantasy involved with window shopping. The rational mind says, “I cannot afford it.” The covetous side says, “How can I possess it?” Rarely does one think “What good would it do to actually have it?” Covetousness does not have a practical side. All it wants is to possess.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

When you read this verse what image pops into your mind’s eye when you see the words “all these things”? Jesus was talking about basic human needs here. Food, drink, and clothing were the list. That list did not include ten bedroom houses, 200 MPH cars, diamonds, pools, or million dollar motor homes. All those things are more closely related to lust of the eye. Yet somehow they are often seen in the list of “all these thing”.

What’s on your list?