Introduction

This month on LifeTeen.com we’re writing all about love. We want to figure out the difference between luv, something that’s shallow, and love, the thing that is deep and profound. So in this 5-part blog series, I’m going to talk about the things that at times might look and feel like love, but are in fact just a counterfeit. Here’s what I’ll cover:

• Part I: Lust
• Part II: Infatuation
• Part III: Obsession
• Part IV: Co-dependence
• Part V: Abuse and Manipulation

You’ll want to read this series because you owe it to yourself to only accept the real deal. Today, let’s talk about lust…

Love Counterfeit: Lust

What do Lil Wayne, Katy, and Usher have in common? They became top artists by using lust to sell their music.

What it is. Lust is an intense appetite for sex. Lust is acted out in many ways: pornography, prostitution, one-night stands.

Where you see it. Lust is very common today because people can make a lot of money by selling stuff with lust: cars, movies, video games, clothes, cologne. Lust is central to most modern club music. Consider the lyrics to Usher’s song “OMG”:

“I fell in love with shawty when I seen her on the dance floor. She was dancing sexy, pop, pop, popping, dropping, dropping low. Never ever has a lady hit me on the first sight. This was something special; this was just like dynamite.”

Where else you’ve heard about lust: Ludacris “How Low,” Katy Perry “California Gurls,” and Lil Wayne “Lollipop.”

Why people accept lust. Many young guys believe that lust defines their masculinity. To say it in another way, they think it makes them cool to be obsessed with sex. Because a guy’s lust can be so intense, a girl can feel special whenever a guy directs that intensity at her. Unfortunately, the truth is soon revealed when he moves on and lusts after someone else. Lust is never about love.

Why lust is a counterfeit of love. Lust excludes everything in a relationship that isn’t about sex. Think about that. There’s nothing about caring for each other, helping one another, encouraging one another. There’s nothing about sharing a fun life together. Lust leaves you empty and confused. Lust is indeed the opposite of love.

Pope John Paul spoke often about lust because he understood how toxic it could be to relationships and society. Consider this quote:

“Love for a person must consist in affirmation that the person has a value higher than that of an object for consumption or use… It is not enough to long for a person as a good for oneself, one must also, and above all, long for that person’s good.” ~ Pope John Paul II (underline added for emphasis)

Click on the image above for more articles about love.

Dealing with lust can be very difficult, especially for young people today. But there is hope! In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus talks about how to deal with lust:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

What this means is that it’s with our EYES that lust first begins. If you keep control of your eyes, you can eliminate lust before it gets stuck in your head and heart. Pray often to overcome lust so that you can love others more purely.

Tomorrow: Infatuation >>