Love…subordinates (especially at first) our merely animal sexuality; in that sense, love is the great conqueror of lust.
C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves
Lust is, of course, quite a strong, almost harsh, word. That is because we have abused the use of it in our contemporary vocabulary. Originally the word "lust" simply meant passion. Passion is a word we can apply with variations - sometimes it's beautiful, other times it is quite ugly. Well, such was the case as well with lust. Of course, the difference is found according to context. In the Scriptures (the New Testament) it was always (or most always) used in a negative - that is, sinful - sense.
Everyone struggles with the negative version of lust. The important thing is, I believe, to struggle. Lust is something which must be fought off (tooth and nail, if you will). In this, our combat with lust, there is one weapon which will ensure victory - love. Love to God is, of course, the surest remedy, but a love to someone will also help achieve that victory.
interesting thoughts, carter. as much as the struggle bites, i think you're right, that it is important to struggle and fight with those things that put distance between us and the fulfilling love of God. sometimes, accepting that there is an actual struggle ahead and that it will be a constant thing is harder than the actual fight... maybe.
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