We often think that “our day and age” differs significantly from
previous eras. We tend to think that our day presents more dangerous and
stubborn problems, requiring more complex and sophisticated solutions,
from wiser and nobler people, namely ourselves. Someone has dubbed this
attitude “chronological snobbery.”
But one thing puts the lie to this self deception — the continuing existence and destruction of lust.
Earlier Christians wisely included lust among the deadliest
sins. For lust is the impregnated parent of all forms of sin. James
explained that “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” (James 1:14–15).
From the first stolen bite of forbidden fruit to the avaricious
gaze of mall-bound window shoppers, lust has coursed through the hearts
of men like the most poisonous venom.
Lust involves any strong desire, craving, or want that opposes
the holy will and command of God. Lust perverts, twists, and defiles all
that is good and beautiful, and this is particularly true with sexual
or carnal lust.
For example, some people today tout homosexuality as an
“orientation” equal in virtue to heterosexuality. They appeal to the
“love” shared between two persons of the same gender, and on that basis,
contend that equality and public acceptance must be guaranteed. To
some, these sexual passions are so strong as to appear innate. Moreover,
we are told that homosexual desires are private, harmless to others,
and beyond the censure of society. Continue at Thabiti Anyabwile
