1] uncontrolled or illicit sexual desire or appetite; lecherousness. 2] a passionate or overmastering desire or craving : a lust for power. 3] ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish: an enviable lust for life.
Many of us, and most, if we are honest, have and will continue to struggle with this issue. This "sin" like some others has both a good and a bad connotation. I admittedly have experienced all three definitions as aspects in my personal development. For people dealing with this it seems that if one aspect is present in one's life the others are NOT cleverly or easily subdued. While definition three can and usually does lead to positive results for those who possess it, numbers 1 and 2 are "KILLERS". From personal experience I can confirm that it can and will take you far down a dark road you DO NOT want to travel.
It seems that while having a "lust" for life is a good thing it can be the impetus for "Addictions" of all kinds, one becomes "Greedy" in trying to satisfy that "lust", angry [given to Wrath] when that "lust" goes unsatisfied and Prideful when it is ! We are beginning to see again how these "sins" co-mingle and feed each other. LUST has been and continues to be a major theme in literature, most "Holy" books have many verses dealing with the subject. In the three major Abrahamic religions, it is considered a sin and is a craving which can sometimes assume a violent or self-indulgent character. It was a major theme in Dante's work and he addressed it in this way-In the "Inferno", unforgiven souls of those guilty of the sin of lust are blown about in restless hurricane-like winds symbolic of their own lack of self control to their lustful passions in earthly life. The Christian bible makes reference to "The lust of the flesh and the pride of life."
Historically is is considered to be the reason that the doctrine of Celibacy has become a part of Roman Catholicism and the Hindus consider it to be a pillar of the gateway to hell. It is considered a "deadly" sin not so much for the damage it does to those who commit it as it does to their "Victims".
The Prophet Mohammed said, "The fornication of the eyes is to look with lust; the fornication of the tongue is to speak lustful things; the fornication of the hands is to touch with lust; the fornication of the feet is to walk towards lust; the fornication of the heart is to desire evil." It is due to this statement that Muslim women and men are so careful regarding interaction with members of the opposite sex. It should be evident by the weight of the attention given this matter that this Deadly Sin is considered a serious one. I made it clear in part one,that I do not think there is a "score" attributed to one or another which gives it more importance but this one can be so consuming as to lead to the worst consequences for many people.
It seems that while having a "lust" for life is a good thing it can be the impetus for "Addictions" of all kinds, one becomes "Greedy" in trying to satisfy that "lust", angry [given to Wrath] when that "lust" goes unsatisfied and Prideful when it is ! We are beginning to see again how these "sins" co-mingle and feed each other. LUST has been and continues to be a major theme in literature, most "Holy" books have many verses dealing with the subject. In the three major Abrahamic religions, it is considered a sin and is a craving which can sometimes assume a violent or self-indulgent character. It was a major theme in Dante's work and he addressed it in this way-In the "Inferno", unforgiven souls of those guilty of the sin of lust are blown about in restless hurricane-like winds symbolic of their own lack of self control to their lustful passions in earthly life. The Christian bible makes reference to "The lust of the flesh and the pride of life."
Historically is is considered to be the reason that the doctrine of Celibacy has become a part of Roman Catholicism and the Hindus consider it to be a pillar of the gateway to hell. It is considered a "deadly" sin not so much for the damage it does to those who commit it as it does to their "Victims".
The Prophet Mohammed said, "The fornication of the eyes is to look with lust; the fornication of the tongue is to speak lustful things; the fornication of the hands is to touch with lust; the fornication of the feet is to walk towards lust; the fornication of the heart is to desire evil." It is due to this statement that Muslim women and men are so careful regarding interaction with members of the opposite sex. It should be evident by the weight of the attention given this matter that this Deadly Sin is considered a serious one. I made it clear in part one,that I do not think there is a "score" attributed to one or another which gives it more importance but this one can be so consuming as to lead to the worst consequences for many people.
While I enjoy "life" a great deal and enjoy others who are vibrant and excited about things and people, I still must learn to be careful not to get to carried away at times. Too much of a good thing is just that, it is too much. Balance, constraint, wisdom.,temperance and common sense are the tools needed to protect us and those we care about from being overcome by lust. Intervention is even necessary at times.
Sometimes for some of us you just have to take our "keys"
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