Lust Of The Eyes

One the most powerful tools the Enemy uses to deceive God's people is through illusion. Consider the devil tempting Eve in the garden. He came in a form of a snake. The serpent was considered the most subtil beast, one that was crafty, sly and shrewd.

I John 2:16 tells us, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes (italics mine), and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” Also, Paul writes in II Corinthians 4:4, “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Lucifer’s name means the light-bearer (Isaiah 14:12-13). He presents to Eve (and Adam who was with her) what seems to be an enlightening and enticing thought that they can be like God knowing good and evil.

As it is true today, the devil tempted Eve by accusing God of lying. Lying is in direct opposition to the nature and heart of God. He is only truth. Satan, on the other hand, is the father of lies (John 8:44). The devil accused God of holding back from Eve which in turn, prevented her eyes from being opened. Once her eyes are opened, she can be like God knowing both good and evil (Genesis 3:2).

Scripture tells us that once she considered the fruit that it was good for food, pleasing to the eye and desirable to gain wisdom, she took and ate it (3:3). Sadly, once Adam and Eve’s eyes were open, they realized their sin and hid from God.

Rather than enlightenment, Adam and Eve found themselves in darkness, separated from the God who deeply loved them. Men and women who reject God’s truth are blinded by the god of this age. This same god does not always appear like a snake. He comes wrapped in a false, seductive light. Satan tempts the eyes to be drawn away from Christ and lust for the things around them.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 says, "All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." (KJV).

The only thing that can arrest the gaze of our ever shifting and wandering eyes is the Lord. Beloved, look up and fix your eyes on Him. Think of these words a hymn writer so beautifully composed.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace