Love vs Lust

What the California Wildfires Taught me

The shocking news was on every channel: “Huge Wildfire Sweeps Through Hollywood Hills.” The images were even more shocking. Video footage showed this uncontrolled blaze tearing through large areas of beautiful forest, destroying luxurious homes, wildlife, and precious memories in its path. All that remained was ash and destruction, a reminder of how fire can cause chaos .

But fire can also offer comfort. Imagine sitting by a fireplace on a cold winter evening. The flames dance within their boundaries, providing warmth and light. The fire doesn’t rage out of control because it is guided by purpose and design. Within the confines of a fireplace, fire has the opposite effect. Instead of destruction and fear it brings warmth and peace. 

Love and lust are just as contrasting as a wild fire and a fire in the fireplace.

Love, in its truest form, is rooted in God’s character. Paul a follower of Jesus wrote this about love, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (The Bible – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

This kind of love is sacrificial and puts the needs of others above one’s own. This kind of love seeks to build, to nurture, and to sustain. It reflects God’s own love for us and is demonstrated most profoundly in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who gave up on His own desires and sacrificed His life on the cross as an atonement for our sin. He had nothing to gain from this, He simply did this because of love.

Lust is on the other hand is self-centred and momentary. It reduces people to objects and relationships to transactions. James another follower of Jesus, warns about the progression of unchecked desire: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:1-15)

While lust promises instant gratification, it leaves behind destruction—broken relationships, heartache, and a sense of emptiness. It’s the forest fire that ravages and leaves scars, both seen and unseen.

Choosing the Right Fire

The world often glorifies lust. Instant gratification seems to be the mantra of today, and is often enticingly packaged under the label “freedom” or “passion.” But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. The Bible in Romans 12:2 urges us, not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. What this means is that we shouldn’t do what everyone is doing, we’ve got to be “different.”

Choosing love over lust is one way we showcase how different we are. In this way we embrace God’s design for relationships. When we respect  the boundaries He has set in a love relationship, marriage, or even a friendship we show others that we are different. Just as a fireplace allows fire to be enjoyed without danger, God’s guidelines for love which include loyalty, patience, self-control and integrity —ensure that our relationships can be as enjoyable as God created them to be.

And guideline are essential for passion like fire, is a powerful force. In its rightful place, it can warm and illuminate. Out of control, it destroys us. Perhaps a good question to ask is “In our own romantic relationships which fire are we tending?” 

If we feel that we have tendency is towards the wildfires of lust and passion then we might want to consider these practical tips:

Protect Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Be careful about what you consume—whether it’s movies, books, or music—since these influence your thoughts and cravings.  

Find Accountability: Surround yourself with trustworthy Christian friends or mentors who can uplift and motivate you in your faith journey.  

Commit to Purity: Decide to honour God with your body and relationships. Establish boundaries to shield yourself and others from temptation.  

Embrace God’s Love: The more you grasp God’s unconditional love for you, the less you’ll chase after fleeting desires.  

Finally, love, when lived out as God intended, is a beautiful and lasting gift. Lust, while enticing in the moment, ultimately leaves us burned. Choose wisely. Choose love.

– Solomon Jakkim