Why?

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, Cage!

Just one more before I call it a night:

Maybe a sound definition of Lust is in order? I've always assumed that what Jesus meant by lust was a strong desire to be with a woman. ...So how do you avoid this kind of desire? It is utterly, and completely natural, and unless you're happily married, I see no way around adultery, as Jesus layed it out in Matthew 5.

I see a little bit of confusion with terms. Adultery is sex with a married person, to whom you are not married. I suspect you mean fornication. Forced to pick between them, I would rather fornicate than commit adultery, if that makes sense. Both parties must be single, "unattached," to fornicate. Fornication could be said to be a lesser offense (and herein enters the argument of whether such even exists, the old "a sin is a sin is a sin" argument, which I do not hold). I sense it to be lesser because number one: sex itself is not the sin. Number two: there is no intrusion into a sacred bond (an oath before G-d and witnesses to hold each other alone, forsaking all others, let no one come between them...). Number three: infidelity destroys families. Some sins are solo events, you do the damage to yourself. Some sins affect others too. Some sins can adversely affect how you get along with your family, nuclear and extended, and friends, possibly for the rest of your life.

Nobody cares if you smoke a little dope. Except the man, and that is so he can collect his share of the spoils and keep you in submission. But to (*G-d forbid, I do not in any way wish this*) rape your daughter will bring about repercussions for the rest of your life! That is a sin that might be forgiven, but you *will* pay for it, over and over and over. So yes, I do see greater and lesser sin. Fornication is a lesser sin, Adultery is a greater sin.

Lust is a bit more vague. I can see my understanding, which is admittedly vague even to me, is a bit different from those of you and China.

[Faithfulservant]

wow! I was shocked to see 5 more pages added to this thread so not sure Im going to do anything other than saying hello j23 I havent had much time so I usually get on and post to the more simple of threads because I cant take the time to respond to deeper ones that usually require research of some sort.. even though I wish I could..

As for China.. All of Gods creations have a purpose in the grand scheme of things.. im certain.. For me its not so much that He needs us or find us useful.. but I do believe He wants us.. He made us for HIS desire “for His pleasure.” Revelation 4:11 says, “Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Colossians 1:16 reiterates the point: “All things were created by Him and for Him.”..

As for the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.. what a perfect manifestation of agape Love... giving of oneself for the assurance of anothers eternal life.. Flesh is temporary and thats all most of us can comprehend... the blood and death.. try to think of it in spiritual matters, Cage. His flesh died so our spirits could truly live.

[Cage]

Originally Posted by China Cat Sunflower

[/I]

I think it comes down to intent and motive. Do you really intend to bed this woman, or are you just admiring and/or fantasizing about her? Lust isn't just entertaining fantasies about someone who isn't your wife. Most times the thought is just as good as the thrill! I mean, is it really your intent to put out all the effort it would take to get her in the sack, or are you just fantasizing? That, to me is the crux of the biscuit.

I like some eye candy too, but what's far more important, and what I really want is to make my marriage work and give my kids the advantage of growing up with a mommy and daddy who live together and love each other. It's not that hard to keep it in my pants.

Chris

I never had a problem "keeping it in my pants" when I was married, either, lol! I did look at another woman with great desire, though. I never acted on it, (sexually) but the essence of desire I had for this woman convicted me proper enough. I'm just saying...

Yes, I'm telling on myself, lol! Although, I see no 'real' harm in this kind of honesty. It may not be the 'wisest' thing to do on these forums, but it serves, in a way, as a freeing experience for me,

so...

Peace,

~Cage~

[Cage]

Originally Posted by Faithfulservant

As for the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.. what a perfect manifestation of agape Love... giving of oneself for the assurance of anothers eternal life.. Flesh is temporary and thats all most of us can comprehend... the blood and death.. try to think of it in spiritual matters, Cage. His flesh died so our spirits could truly live.

It is a beautiful sentiment, Faithfulservant, no question about that, but I still don't understand why it was nescessary. I'm sure it will hit me some day, and if it doesn't, then I guess it wasn't for 'me' to understand.

Much Love,

~Cage~

[Bandit]

Why do birds suddenly appear,
Everytime you are near?
Just like me, they long to be,
Close to you......

Why do stars fall down from the sky,
Everytime you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be,
close to you.........

[Cage]

Originally Posted by juantoo3

Kindest Regards, Cage!

Just one more before I call it a night:


I see a little bit of confusion with terms. Adultery is sex with a married person, to whom you are not married. I suspect you mean fornication. Forced to pick between them, I would rather fornicate than commit adultery, if that makes sense. Both parties must be single, "unattached," to fornicate. Fornication could be said to be a lesser offense (and herein enters the argument of whether such even exists, the old "a sin is a sin is a sin" argument, which I do not hold). I sense it to be lesser because number one: sex itself is not the sin. Number two: there is no intrusion into a sacred bond (an oath before G-d and witnesses to hold each other alone, forsaking all others, let no one come between them...). Number three: infidelity destroys families. Some sins are solo events, you do the damage to yourself. Some sins affect others too. Some sins can adversely affect how you get along with your family, nuclear and extended, and friends, possibly for the rest of your life.

I see what you are saying, and I agree. I don't count all sin the same, at least when it comes to life experience, and how they effect other people. I'm not sure how God views our various sins, though?

you know, I was never quite sure what fornication meant, so perhaps I just applied adultery to most all questionable situations concerning woman, lol! This could have been what I was taught as a child...I can't really remember? Then again, this view could have been of my own device; I have trouble keeping up with everything.

I suppose I should have made use of a dictionary, lol!

Nobody cares if you smoke a little dope. Except the man, and that is so he can collect his share of the spoils and keep you in submission. But to (*G-d forbid, I do not in any way wish this*) rape your daughter will bring about repercussions for the rest of your life! That is a sin that might be forgiven, but you *will* pay for it, over and over and over. So yes, I do see greater and lesser sin. Fornication is a lesser sin, Adultery is a greater sin.

I think any 'rational' human being would come to this conclusion by the definition you gave, juan. I looked up fornication, and adultery a few minutes ago, and the dictionary gives the same definition as you gave.

Lust is a bit more vague. I can see my understanding, which is admittedly vague even to me, is a bit different from those of you and China.

I guess I've always accepted the given definitions of lust, but mostly lean towards the one in italics:

lust >noun 1 strong sexual desire. 2 a passionate desire for something. 3 Theology a sensuous appetite regarded as sinful. >verb (usu. lust for/after) feel lust for someone or something.
-ORIGIN Old English.

Btw, I read 'Ecclesiastes' again. (Twice)

Much Love,

~Cage~

[juantoo3]

Kindest Regards, Cage!

Btw, I read 'Ecclesiastes' again.

I took a little time to put together a brief commentary on Eclessiastes (if three hours can be considered brief). It is a skeleton sketch, but I tried to catch the high points I wanted you to glean. Your comments and additions are welcome.