“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11 KJV).
This reference to “lust” in 1 Peter 2:11 involves “a longing, especially for something that is forbidden.” (1) In a general sense, “lust” is a characteristic that is found among those who seek to exploit others in various ways. It may also involve an urge to possess (or control) someone or something that belongs to someone else. “Fleshly lusts” typically involve those physical appetites that prompt us to dehumanize others and use them for our gratification. They may also include various forms of overindulgence.
While there are some who undoubtedly view “lust” and “love” as interchangeable qualities, we should note that there are important differences between the two. For instance, love is characterized by selflessness and benevolence (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7). On the other hand, lust involves a range of inappropriate behaviors (see Colossians 3:5 and 1 Thessalonians 4:4-5). Since God is love (1 John 4:8), lust is incompatible with His character.
Although we can often document the physical afflictions that appear in the lives of those who indulge in fleshly lusts, the way those indulgences taint our view of others may be less visible. For example…
- We may begin to view other human beings as objects to be used in various ways.
- We might begin to make choices and decisions that serve our needs without regard for the effect of those choices upon those around us (Philippians 2:4).
- We may begin to see others through a prism of what they can do for us and value them accordingly.
These underlying ideologies are things that change us as we yield to them. Those changes may be subtle at first, but typically grow to become more obvious over time. Much like an armed conflict between two rival factions, fleshly lusts thus wage war against the soul. Romans 8:13 identifies the stakes involved in that war: “…if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (NIV).
Whenever we expose ourselves to practices that promote fleshly lusts, we are sure to be negatively influenced by them. Those influences may take the form of videos, music, movies, friendships, or anything else that serves to elevate “sinful desires” (NIV). Therefore, we would do well to consider our choices in those areas and ask for God’s help in enabling us to “…keep clear of the desires of your lower natures, for they are always at war with your souls” (Phillips).
(1) G1939 epithumia Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1939/kjv/tr/0-1/