I have to admit, lust is not a topic I know a lot about. According to Wikipedia, the origins of the word date back to the 15th Century when the list of the 7 deadly sins requiring forgiveness was compiled. Lust does not only refer to a strong sexual desire, it is also used to denote strong desire or craving for just about anything. Example: “4. ardent enthusiasm; zest; relish: an enviable lust for life.” from dictionary.com
It’s funny how my list of the 5 most destructive emotions compares to the 7 deadliest sins:
- wrath (in my list, anger)
- greed
- sloth (not in my list)
- pride (not in my list)
- lust
- envy (not in my list)
- gluttony (not in my list)
Sloth, pride, envy and gluttony I don’t see as emotions and so I won’t even touch on those. And I will eventually touch on 2 others that aren’t presented here (Fear and Hate).
Lust has proven to be at the foundation of the demise of many a relationship. I am sure that Mike Tyson is thinking he should have had a better hold on his lust that night. And while he didn’t have a marriage destroyed by his actions, I don’t think the relationships he had with his fans, his family, his management was quite the same afterwards. For certain, HE was not the same afterwards.
Frankly, unless you are lucky enough that the other person is as discreet (and as wanton) as yourself, and no one else catches wind of your tryst, lust is likely to make a big mess of everything.
I’ve heard stories of soldiers losing rank and pay, their wives and children, respect of their colleagues and family, all for a piece of tail in the field. In a couple of cases, the piece of tail eventually became the new wife. I don’t know how many of these cases actually turn out this way, and I certainly can’t imagine how many of those new wives think about it happening to them later on.
As a child, I heard many stories about such dalliances amongst my parents friends and acquaintances (overheard, is more like it actually). Two in particular always had me musing – because those 2 relationships remained intact when looking in from the outside. I can’t imagine what it might have been like for them on the inside, however.
Controlling it is a whole different ball-game, though. And I have no specific advice on that issue. I have been a victim of said lust on occasion. Granted, eating a pint of ice cream isn’t quite the relationship-breaking activity that I had in mind when I started writing this post.
Preaching about keeping the consequences in mind when tempted is all well and good, but how realistic is it? When it’s right there in front of you, and there is no immediate danger in just taking a bite, why on earth would you want to stop yourself?
The fact is, however: once you are aware of the consequences – and some can be dire – and STILL give in to the emotion, there really is no recourse. It’s a chance you’ve taken and there is no guarantee you won’t get caught. If you can manage a minute of rational thinking, you can avoid the dive down the cliff-face by realizing that the immediate gratification will be spoiled later when it’s time to face the consequences.
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