Most Christian men are no strangers to lust. We live it, see it, and read about it. The Bible has a lot to say about lust. We see the word written in twelves books of the Bible, and each reference shows no mercy to the dangers of the action. One of the most feared scriptures on lust is Matthew 5:28, "But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
This strikes such fear in men that they feel if they look at a woman for more than a second then they are lusting after her, but I say to you that lusting and appreciating beauty are two different things and its time to distinguish the two, and stop living in unnecessary guilt.
Today, the definition of lust is a strong desire, but mostly used for a strong sexual desire.
Most Christian men don't feel they are lusting when they look at a woman's face, but if they look at the woman's ass or breasts then they have a guilty conscience. I too have felt this way when I looked at a woman's body, but because I'm looking at a woman's sexual parts doesn't mean that I'm lusting.
Lusting is when you have sexual thoughts for a woman, or undress a woman with your eyes. Starring at a woman for a long time gives the possibility to lust, but is more so disrespectful.
When I look at a woman I glance at her whole body. Why should I merely look at her face? Her face is not the only body part I look for attraction when I'm looking for a woman to date. I like a woman with some back and breasts, but am I lusting? No, I do not have sexual desires for the mere fact I find her body attractive, but I will say looking too much or too long gives more temptation to lust.
For example: there is this woman I work with who has a lovely ass. Sometimes I catch myself looking at it too much and I get an erection from it. Thats when I know I am lusting because an erection causes sexual thoughts, which is lusting.
Men who are in relationships fear lusting the most because they feel if they find another woman attractive then they are lusting. If you see another woman who possesses beauty does not mean you're lusting as long you are not desiring to be with her and to have sexual relations with that woman.
The only man who never found beauty in another woman is Adam because there was no other woman for him. Some men misinterpret this as there is only one woman on earth for him, and that he should merely find one woman attractive.
If you are married or dating then yes, you should have merely attraction for your woman, but its normal to see other attractive women. Some men turn their faces quickly when they see an attractive woman walking by, or they try to find a flaw in her to make themselves believe she is unattractive.
I used to do this with my ex-girlfriend, and it didn't help that she would get jealous if an attractive woman walked down our path. Merely finding other women attractive doesn't mean you're falling out of love with your girlfriend, neither should you fear that you have cheating tendencies. Its the way we are designed as human beings; to find each other attractive.
Jesus had female followers, but do you believe that he lusted after them? No. Did he find some of those women to be attractive? Yes, Jesus was heterosexual so he was attracted to women, but he chose to remain celibate.
I tell you today to look at the beautiful woman, and appreciate her beauty. She is a creation from God. All of God's creation is pleasurable, adorable, and pleasing to the eye. But, study the law and write it on your heart. There is a righteous way to enjoy God's creation and that is why we have the law.
