For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:16-17)

Introduction

Perhaps at one point in all of our lives, we struggled with our flesh, our eyes and pride of life. Some of us are still struggling and if we cannot overcome the struggles, it may reach a place where you may give into temptation. Thereafter, you may get so caught up in feeling good that you will think it is the right thing you are doing. However, the word of God specifically tells us that these issues do not come from the Father but from the World.

Lust of the Flesh

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

These acts are based on a “feeling” syndrome. You feel hurt or betrayed and so you have a feeling of hatred towards others. You want to feel good so you drink excessive alcohol, smoke weed and also get involve with someone or anyone to please your sexual appetite. You see other people with things that you wish you had so you get a feeling of jealousy and envy. You may also end up spreading gossip and lies about individuals out of revenge because it makes you feel good and hoping the other individuals feel bad.

Lust of the Eyes

In a previous article, I mentioned how the eyes are the lamp of our body. Well these same very eyes can lead you into a lot of trouble because of lust. You see something you want and you think you must have it because it looks good. You see someone you want and she or he belongs to someone else but you like what you see so you continue to pursue them with your eyes because you like how they look.  For example, a man may see a young lady in mini skirt or other parts of her body or the shape of her body may be revealed depending on the type of clothing she wears, immediately, with his eyes that man likes what he sees and wants that lady. Remember the story of David and Bathsheba. David saw Bathsheba from his rooftop and he liked what he saw. He sent for her, slept with her and eventually set up her husband in the front of the battlefield so he can died. Some of you have raped, harassed and molested individuals because of the lust of your eyes. Some of these individuals have scars for life either from the abuse or an abortion of an unwanted pregnancy.

Pride of the Life

The best example for the pride of the Life is the Devil himself who was full of arrogance and wanted to be above God.

Many of us today are full of ourselves and think of ourselves highly than we ought to and also think that we are better than others. We think so either because of our profession, our family background, our accomplishments and many other reasons.

The pride of life may even cause you to activate the lust of the flesh and the lust of eyes.

How to overcome these temptations?

• Recognize that these temptations are from the Enemy. If you fall into it, the truth will eventually come out.
• Always be in prayer.
• Avoid counselling the opposite sex by yourself.
• Establish boundaries.
• Remember all that glitters is not gold.
• Learn from the experience of others.
• Always remember what you do will eventually pass onto your next generation. Do you want to leave that type of legacy?
• Follow Joseph’s example. He fled from the scene when he was approach by Potiphar’s wife.
• If you married, always take your spouse with you especially if you cannot control yourself.
• Get deliverance from your situation. You can be delivered.
• Do unto others as you want others do to you. Do you want anyone to do anything to your children or other family members that you are doing to others?

Conclusion

These are the main three methods of temptations that Satan will used on you.  No one is exempted from these types of temptations. If the Devil tempted Jesus, don’t you think he will also tempt us? Sometimes when Christian folks fall into temptation, some of us rejoice but today maybe someone else’s day but tomorrow may be your day. Let us beware of the tactics that the enemy uses and let us try our best to maintain self-control and discipline, otherwise the lust of the flesh and eyes will cause you to have unstable relationships moving from one person to the next. All because of feelings. Is this what you want?