Devotional for Lust

Covet is not often used in everyday language today. The definition of covet is to yearn to possess or to have; to wish for exceptionally or with envy.

The word "lust" is more common in society. Lust is a strong feeling of sexual desire or a strong desire for something.

The advertisement industry is well-versed in lust. Significant research has been put into best practices to entice and create lust in the average consumer. There is an understanding of how to draw a person's eye into the advertisement, which colors to use, and where to place words. All of this is intended to get you, the consumer, to want and desire their product.

And it works. But I don't begrudge their tactics. I attempt the same thing with my website and social media posts. I want a person to want to read my material.

The difference is the content.

The phrase "sex sells" regarding advertising can be seen as far back as 1871, with the Pearl tobacco label of a naked woman walking out of the water.

Sexual images have been used to sell tobacco, alcohol, cologne, clothing, cars, and, I'm sure, many other items. Their job is to find ways to sell their products. Right or wrong, that's their job.

Unfortunately, this process has spread beyond advertising companies. Sexual images are seen all across television shows, movies, music lyrics, social media, and pornography. It has become commonplace.

The result has turned into a society of lust.

In marriage and family life, lust looks like:

• Eyes (or thoughts) wandering to someone who isn’t your spouse
• Fantasizing about a “better” partner or a “different” life
• Comparing your spouse’s body, personality, or intimacy to someone else’s highlight reel
• Consuming content that plants seeds of discontent in your real bedroom

As Christians, our job is not to be enticed. Not to be distracted. We are called not to make worldly decisions but to root ourselves in God's word and truths.

And we all struggle with lust—men and women, married and single. That doesn’t make you dirty or disqualified; it makes you human in a hyper-sexualized world. The incredible news? Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He doesn’t shame you—He sympathizes, cleanses, and empowers you to walk in freedom, one choice at a time.

This may mean certain shows, movies, and music aren't listened to. It is a personal boundary that I'm not going to advise specifics, but it is important to set those personal limits to guard your heart and your mind.

Winning the battle against lust in marriage looks like:

• Bouncing your eyes the moment temptation appears (Job 31:1)
• Confessing quickly to your spouse when you stumble—so shame loses its power
• Praying together for purity and gratitude for the spouse God gave you
• Replacing lustful thoughts with active thanksgiving for your real marriage
• Guarding your home’s screens and feeds together as a team

Take the time to read the Bible scriptures below and truly focus on what they are saying to you. Some passages may touch you differently than others. Writing down the verses in your own hand is helpful for some individuals. Possibly looking up the verses in your Bible may be beneficial. I use a NIV bible translation. Or reading them over and over to commit to memory. Whatever method works best for you to experience God’s words and feel closer to Him.

Genesis 3:6

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

1 John 2:16 

Exodus 20:17