The Lust of the Eyes

Samson was a tremendous warrior, a man mightily used of God. He was severely flawed, like all men and women of God, yet the Lord was able to work through his weak flesh to accomplish huge things for Israel. And even though Samson’s ministry—and life—ended in a blaze of glory, it was his weakness that brought both his impact and his life to a premature end. Think of how much more Samson could have accomplished for the glory of God and the good of Israel had he submitted his rebellious flesh to God’s control!

Samson had a glaring weakness—likely the same one that you wrestle with. For sure, it’s a weakness that I battle. What is it? It is the lust of the eyes—and it is a more deadly serious weakness than I think most of us care to admit. The Apostle John didn’t mince any words in describing this “I See—Now Give Me” weakness and contrasting it with those who operate on a far higher plane:

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 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.” (I John 2:15-17)

In the case of Samson, he “saw” an attractive woman, he wanted her, so against his better judgment and the advice of people who cared about the future God had for him, he caved to his weakness to satisfy his selfish flesh—he “got” her. And in his surrender to personal weakness, he short-circuited one of the most brilliant ministries of all time.

So just what are the lessons here for you and me? Among other things, be careful what you ask for—God might just allow you to get it. Likewise, do not confuse what God permits with what God will bless. God may allow the things you lust for, but those things might very well be what shuts you off from his continued favor. Psalm 106:14-15 should serve as a cautionary tale:

“The Israelites lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.”

If you are wrestling with desire for something you have seen—a person, a purchase, a position—rather than saying “I see—now give me”, try exerting the will that God has given you and pray, “Father, what do you want? Now give me that!”

“Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.” ~Napoleon Hill

Reflect and Apply: Offer this sincere prayer to God today—and perhaps every day: “Dear God, destroy in me the things that could destroy me!”