Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Our study today focusses on the effect of lust in the heart of Abram’s nephew Lot. He was simply following along and enjoying Abram’s blessings in life. Most of what we know about this man is not particularly good. He seems more given to the desires of the flesh rather than seeking the will of God for his life.

He became wealthy, yet we know not how other than living with his uncle who won favor with the Egyptian Pharaoh. The heart of Lot was clearly revealed when Abram told him that they were no longer able to live together because of strife between their servants. Lot was given the choice of which direction to move his family, so he chose what looked good to the flesh, the “well-watered” plain toward Sodom and Gomorrah.

It looked really good. However, the Bible said, “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly” (Gen. 13:13).

The lust of the eyes is a powerful force used by Satan to misguide the people of God (I John 2:16). The lust of the eyes destroys our morality and causes us to disobey the Word of God. The first example of the eyes causing mischief for humans is found in the Garden of Eden. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Gen. 3:6). Another sad incident resulting from the lust of the eyes is found in Joshua 7:21. “When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.” Both incidents brought serious consequences to those committing the sin as well as others. Eve helped pass a sinful nature to all humans, while Abram brought death to his family and several friends who died in battle.

There are many forms of lust associated with the eyes, but certainly one is that of pornography. It is available to people of all ages and has become one of the most profitable industries in our generation. It will destroy your career, your marriage and your soul. Please do not fall into this most common snare of Satan.