For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:16–17 NIV

By: Scott Schuler

My mind raced faster than my heart as I ran through the woods. It was chasing me, getting closer. The sweat poured down my back as I attempted to outrun the fear—and the shame. Finally, I cried out, “Jesus, why do I keep falling into sin? Why do I lust for more than you’ve given me?” Over my labored breathing I clearly heard the answer that stopped me in my tracks.

“Because you love yourself more than you love me.”

My heart caught in my throat as I thought for a moment. It was true. But why was I choosing sin over Jesus?

Sin is an unintentional or deliberate act of disobedience against God. It results in separation or independence from God. We can define sin in two broad categories––sins of omission and sins of commission.

Sins of omission are unintentional acts.

They are neither premeditated nor deliberate. Fits of rage or jealousy, harboring unforgiveness, or failing to keep a promise. Sensing God’s prompting to take action, but failing to follow through. Although sins of omission are not deliberate, we respond from our sinful human nature rather than the Holy Spirit.

Sins of commission are intentional acts.

We know our actions are wrong yet choose to act, regardless of the consequences. Paul starts Galatians 5:19 with: Now the works of the flesh are evident. The term works of the flesh, also referred to as sins of the flesh, describes sin we commit with our mind and body through the influence of our soul: sins of commission.

Notice that Paul says these sins are evident. He is implying if we commit any of the sins listed in verses 5:19-21, we know we are doing something wrong. The Apostle John breaks sin of commission into three categories in 1 John 2:16-17, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.

What is the lust of the flesh? Sin that consumes your mind and body in a lustful manner, sexual immorality, pornography, drunkenness, gluttony.

The lust of the eyes refers to someone or something you desire, but is not rightfully yours. You do not own or deserve it mentally, emotionally, or physically. Greed, stealing, and acts of abuse fall into this category.

And the pride of life makes life all about you. Pride fosters emotions, thoughts, and actions that are self-serving at the expense of others. Lying, revenge, idolatry (witchcraft) and creating family or workplace division are prideful acts. Jealousy, envy, and anger are equally sinful.

Jesus mercifully revealed my self-love and pride that day. I have since shared this word with others and watched their expression change as Jesus revealed pride in their lives, too. What does Jesus desire to share with you about sinful pride?

In what areas are you challenged with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes or the pride of life? Ask Jesus why you choose sin over Him. Journal what He reveals.

---