In God We Lust?

“But I say to you. . . “– Matthew 5:28

 

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus said, “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one title will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). A “jot” and “tittle” are accent marks. Jesus was saying not even a comma or accent mark of God’s word would go unfulfilled. In other words, the Bible is important and every bit of it will be fulfilled, all of it. The Bible, living by it, its fulfillment, was and is important to Jesus. Therefore it should be important to us as well.

Then Jesus said, “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The Pharisees were experts in the Law, but they were guilty of selective observance. They were selective in their obedience. Jesus said they “strain out a gnat and swallow a camel” (Matthew 23:24). In other words, they were hypocrites. They were “whitewashed tombs . . . full of dead men’s bones” (Matthew 23:27). They lived for the show. They presented themselves to those around them as something they were not. They had a heart problem. That’s why Jesus gave His “but I say to you” soul searching, heart considering, elevating calls to holy living in the Sermon on the Mount.

We might summarize Jesus’ elevating comments in the following ways. Yes, we shouldn’t murder people, “but I say to you” don’t even be angry with people (Matthew 5:21-22). Yes, don’t commit adultery, “but I say to you” don’t even look at someone lustfully (Matthew 5:27-28). Yes, you can divorce, “but I say to you,” only because of sexual immorality and be aware that divorce should not be reduced to a tool to perpetuate immoral practices (Matthew 5:31-32).[1] Yes, don’t swear falsely, perform your oaths, “but I say to you” simply let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no; be true to your word; be trustworthy (Matthew 5:33-37). Yes, be just, “but I tell you” don’t resist evil out of pride or mere political competition (Matthew 5:38-42). Yes, love your neighbor, “but I say to you,” love your enemies too (Matthew 5:43-44).

In 1864 Congress passed the Coinage Act. It was a time when our nation was reeling under the weighty emotional strain and cost in human suffering and loss of the Civil War. We were experiencing a currency crisis as a nation in the world’s economy. Our government representatives felt the nation and its people needed a reaffirmation of its faith in God. They wanted the people of America to always remember, “In God We Trust.” Since its first placement on our currency some have objected to “In God We Trust” being associated with our national currency. But thankfully, “In God We Trust” remains on our currency and above many of our courtrooms and public places. But is it true for us? Do we trust in God?

Just as Jesus took the Law to a higher heart level, I would like to challenge us and question if we, as citizens of the United States of America, as well as those who are citizens of heaven, are we trusting in God? If we took an honest look at our lives, would our life motto, in reality and life practice be better stated as “In God We Lust,” more than “In God We Trust”?  What do I mean?

This is an important question given what the Bible says:

1 John 2:15–17 (NKJV) – ¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

The term “lust” (Greek epithymia) means a longing for what is forbidden, craving what is forbidden. The Apostle John was inspired by the Holy Spirit to warn us about loving the world or the things of the world. “Love” (Greek agapao) is best defined by looking at the cross of Jesus and His willingness to give, sacrifice His welfare and life for the salvation of others and to do that from a motivation of love. The cross of Jesus and the atoning work He did there is the epitome of His words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

To “love” is to cherish someone, to desire God’s best for them, to be willing to give up and sacrifice for the sake of others and for the glory of God. John’s passage challenges the reader to consider whether they are loving the things around them instead of loving Him or the people He calls us to love. This passage challenges us to distinguish love from lust. “Love” is selfless. “Lust” is selfish. “Love” gives. “Lust” grasps. “Love” sacrifices. “Lust” seduces.

So I ask you and challenge you to do a little soul searching. Search your heart. Be honest. Ask yourself, “Does my life depict someone who trusts in God or lusts in God?” Am I an oxymoron as a “Christian”? Am I trusting in God? Or am I wearing a shirt that says “I trust God” on the outside, but on the inside all I do and live for, my motives are carnal lusts and selfish ambitions? These are important questions. How you answer these questions will determine your spiritual condition.

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus was calling the Pharisees and His disciples, to higher spiritual ground. It’s as though Jesus was saying, “Yes, we’re on a physical mountainside and you’re listening to My teaching, But I want to take you higher. Will you follow me?” Jesus taught his greatest sermon while having His cross work in mind. He called His disciples challenging them, “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:38). Jesus said this when teaching His disciples about persecution.

Jesus emphasized the need to take up your cross to His followers on more than one occasion. “If anyone desires to come after Me, le him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). He followed that up with the substantiating words, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25-26). Your “cross” is that mission to which God calls you too. What is God’s mission for you? Pray and seek Him until He makes it clear to you. Then pray with all your heart, “LORD make me what I need to be, to do what You call me to do, for Your glory, until Jesus returns.” Pray that and live it out in the power of the Holy Spirit.

At one point in His monumental message Jesus exhorted, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Their initial reaction to such a call, and our initial reaction to such a call is that Jesus was calling us to an impossibility. How can we be ‘perfect” as God in any way? There is a way.

“Perfect” (Greek teleios) is a word that refers to completeness, maturity, full age, brought to its end, finished. Jesus wasn’t speaking of mathematical perfection; He was calling us to be what we were created to be like God is Who He is in eternity. We were created by God not because He needed us, but simply out of His goodness, as an expression of His grace, creativity, and love. God is “Perfect” in that He always is and acts as Who He is, Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign, Holy LORD. But how can we be “perfect”? We can be perfect when we fit into the intended purpose of God for us.

If we are to be “perfect” we should seek to fit into the mold and intent for which God created us. Jesus calls us to be “disciples,” (Greek mathetes) learners, pupils, followers. If we are to be “perfect” then we should seek to be disciples, learners, followers of Jesus who are growing as we go with Him in life. To be “perfect” is to live a life emblazoned in practical ways with the phrase “In God We Trust.”

Now we can’t be anything we should be without the help of the Holy Spirit. And unfortunately instead of living lives of “In God We Trust,” we are more commonly “Christians” known and seen by others as living “In God We Lust.” If we believe in God’s word at all, we commonly twist it or ignore the parts that prevent us from indulging our carnal lustful desires. We seek not only blessing, but lusty lavish wealthy accumulation of things. We act to benefit “me.” We sacrifice the betterment of others for our own best interests. We lounge in God’s “grace” because we have been told what we do or how we live has no bearing on our eternal destiny. There’s truth in that but if we really cared about being “perfect” we’d get up off the couch and look a little deeper into the meaning of “grace.” If we really cared about being “perfect” we’d be more attentive and diligent students of the word of God. If we truthfully trusted in Jesus, we’d understand and have an appreciation and thankfulness that demonstrates itself in lives lived in fruitful expressions of loving sacrifice that glorify God. If we really trusted in God we’d do what is right even if it cost us our comforts. So which is it for you, “In God We Trust” or “In God we Lust”?

If we really want to be “perfect” as Jesus calls us to be, we will follow His steps and walk as He walked to obey and fulfill God’s word. We will dot our “I”s and cross our “T”s in living out God’s word. We will understand that Jesus prayed we would be “sanctified” (Greek hagiadzo) or live lives distinctively set apart to God for His use. And we would understand that means living distinctively by God’s truth as it is revealed in God’s word. “Sanctify them by your truth. Your word is truth” (John 17:17). This is Jesus’ prayer and desire for every Christian. That is because, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We are to, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Disciples are “perfect” when they are diligently digging into God’s word and applying it to life in the power of the Holy Spirit.

I have the perfect practical test for you to determine if you are trusting or lusting in God. Today is an election day. It’s an opportunity for you to get out of your comfort zone and fulfill your civic duty as a citizen of this country. It’s also an opportunity to be obedient to God’s word that calls us to cooperate with the governmental system in which God has sovereignly placed us. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1). You can question the righteousness of certain governmental systems like Communism and Socialism and their failure historically to benefit their citizens. You can question the tyranny and subjugation of such systems. But wherever people are involved there will be sin and there will be corruption. That will be true until Jesus returns to set up His Kingdom and sits on His throne as the King of kings and LORD of Lords (Revelation 20).

The Bible steers us toward systems that protect personal freedom. “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (Galatians 5:17). That is true first in being liberated from religious legalism. But it is also applicable in that the Holy Spirit promotes an environment of liberty in which people live. Beware of government and its inclination and obsession with controlling citizens.

So, how is an election a test of our trust or lust? Below are some questions to consider on election days. They will help you examine yourself and hopefully steer you toward trust and away from lust. On election day consider the following:

1. Pray – The very first thing we ought to be doing is to be praying for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4). We are to pray for all our government representatives regardless of party affiliation. This is “good and acceptable in the sight of God.” Pray for an election that leads to a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
2. Citizenship – Do you excuse yourself from voting by quoting the Apostle Paul who spoke of “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:21). Do you use that verse as an excuse to ignore his exhortation elsewhere to “be subject to authorities”? Do you do this to excuse laziness or to justify inaction and not taking a stand on hot button controversial issues? The truth is that a good citizen of heaven will be a good citizen in the country on earth where God has sovereignly placed them to represent Him and serve Him. We need to vote! Many countries are tyrannical and don’t allow voting or only provide corrupted voting systems. You may feel that way about certain areas in our nation. If so, be a good citizen, AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Serve as a poll watcher. Pray about it.
3. Life – Pray and vote for life. Abortion is a terrible blight on our land. God creates and knows each person in the womb (Psalm 139; Jeremiah 1).
4. Order – God works in an orderly fashion (1 Corinthians 14:33 and 40). God is not the Author of confusion or rebellion, the devil is. Government is ordained by God to keep the peace (Romans 13:4). Which candidate most supports orderliness?
5. Family – Which candidate supports God’s Bible definition of marriage and the family? Marriage is a picture of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5). Family is where disciples are made (e.g., Deuteronomy 4; Ephesians 6). Which candidate is most marriage and family friendly? Which candidate supports education that is marriage and family friendly based on God’s word?
6. Justice – God is just and righteous and we should vote for those who uphold the Law and are closest to being just and righteous (Psalm 97:2; Amos 5:24).
7. Peace – Seek peace when you vote. Which candidate supports peace, both domestically and internationally? Which candidate supports riots and unrest, insurrection, and rebellion. Which candidate is a peacemaker? Jesus is the Prince of Peace and said those who make peace are His children and would be blessed (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 5:9).
8. Protect the Innocent – The Bible tells us to protect the innocent (Proverbs 13:6). Which candidate uses government and laws to oppress innocent people simply because they are the opposition? Be honest here.
9. Help the Weak – Jesus came to preach to the poor and bind up the brokenhearted, to set free those who are captive to sin and oppressed (Luke 4:18-19). Study God’s word and separate the world’s “social justice” propaganda from the truth of God’s word.
10. Israel – Consider God’s everlasting covenant with Abraham, his descendants, and the nation that they would grow into wherein He would bless those who bless them and curse those who curse them (Genesis 12). Which candidate supports the nation of Israel? Which candidate is anti-Israel, antisemitic?
11. Great Commission – Vote for those who will best support an environment where the Great Commission can be spread (Matthew 28:18-20). Is there a Christian candidate? Is there a candidate that supports freedom of speech? Which candidate has a history of supporting the spreading of the gospel? `
12. Honesty – Which candidate has the best history of fulfilling their campaign promises? Political candidates tend to promise the world while campaigning but have short memories if elected. In Islam there is a practice of taqiyya where lying is permitted until one gains strength or an advantage over their opponent. Be mindful of this. Jesus sent out His disciples instructing them, “be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). That doesn’t mean we are to adopt devilish tactics. It means we are to be wise not gullible while keeping our own innocence.

I would encourage you to prayerfully and honestly seek God’s direction in God’s scriptures. Guard against letting your personal opinions or preferences or party affiliations sway you off course. Remember, we are citizens of heaven first and foremost, and that means we are to obey God’s word. If we love Jesus and are His disciples, we will obey Him and His word. “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him” (John 14:21).

So what will it be, “In God We Trust” or “In God We Lust”? “In God I Trust” or “In God I Lust”? I pray God leads you and I pray in the Holy Spirit you rely on Him and His word and in the power of the Spirit live it out. I pray, in Jesus’ name, that it is “In God We Trust” for us. Amen!

[1] This is an especially complex issue and controversial in our day. I don’t at all mean to make light of it. We might also add here that divorce may be warranted when abuse is taking place.