Is Lust A Deadly Sin?

Lust:

• The desire to experience physical pleasures. Especially sexual.
• An urgent need of naked flesh.
• A want for power; an intense craving to rule, not just your own roost, but everyone else's too.
• Intense enthusiasm with an overwhelming unhealthy desire.

A Lusty Tale:

Himeros the greek God of sexual desire and one of the young Erotes (winged love Gods) was the personification of longing love. The twin brother of Eros is often seen in works of art representing erotic circles of sex and love. Himeros was responsible for planting lusty ideas in the minds of others. So perhaps you can blame him for your lusty thoughts. Another, good excuse!

Is lust a sin? It seems to lust after anything in many religions is not a good idea if you want to keep your God happy. Lust by thought alone is already a sin. The thought of carrying out the offending activity creates enough entertainment in your head; therefore the thought itself is worthy of condemnation. It seems a little harsh I know, but perhaps this rule is based on the prevention method as opposed to the cure method!

Perhaps lusty thoughts are so badly received by religion because generally strong desires and thoughts don't usually stay contained. This means the way we think can very often be the way we behave.To desire the flesh of a man or woman in itself seems very normal. I perceive it's the lack of love that rides along with the guilty thoughts of wanting that really marks lust as a big no! no!

The number of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) out there confirm why promiscuity is not the best way to exercise your sexuality. The very idea of monogamy for some people would be like saying you'll only eat cake for the rest of your existence, which by the way isin't seen as a good thing by everyone.

There is of course another word these days for an obsessive appetite, where lust evolves to an uncontrollable compulsion: Sexual Addiction.

Sexologists don't succumb to the idea of this illness with out some debate, finding the validity of it's very nature too vague in relation to the measurements of other addictions like drugs and alcohol. However the word obsession does refer to not being able to think about anything other than a particular thought.

Skeptics believe lust is a by product of cultural and other influences in our every day lives. The olden days kept most voluptuous proportions well under wraps while our modern society leaves very little to the imagination. However you only need to hop across to ancient Rome and their high banquettes to see your hair stand on end.

There was definitely a lot of compulsion going on, not to mention a lack of containment. Enough said!

Lust is not fanciful thinking or even day dreaming. Lust is on a whole different scale than that. If you're having wistful thoughts about kissing a guy or gal you fancy or you're looking forward to a weekend of loving with your loved one; I doubt you've got anything to be concerned about. Perhaps you have a crush on some one or think a next door neighbour is hot. Don't worry. You're a million miles from the clutches of lust.

We all blame the devil within for our faults and failings. Of course, he's the professional tempter and been around a bit, so he's had time to learn a thing or two!

I guess this is where adultery and wanting what you can't have comes in to the picture. The real lustful sin. The desire for power; to control your own kingdom, be it money, wealth or greatness. I personally think and would hope any one I regard would agree that other peoples spouses/partners should be off limits. I appreciate there are always certain circumstances, but generally nothing but hurt comes from adultery, and that's for everyone involved. I don't believe it possible not to lust a little, but I will try not to lust a lot.

The most important lesson of all is never to confuse lust with love. Love gives and lust takes. Lust is an emotion that runs wild and many shapes take center stage, replaced very quickly with a new desirable object. To be desired is a wonderful feeling, but not if it's a short lived experience. Choose who desires you, by how they love you and harmony will be yours.

Famous Quote:

''The expense of spirit in a waste of shame is lust in action.'' William Shakespeare.

Lust is a nasty element of life, and can reek havoc from the boardroom to the bedroom. Yes we all look at sexy bodies and have fancy thoughts. Of course we like the idea of fit bodies and a bonus cheque to boost our egos.

In this particular frame it's about more than wanton thoughts and a quick peek. We all know the limits when it boils down to it and we should try harder to live by them.