The book of Job begins with Job losing his wealth and family as a result of Satan testing this righteous man. This man is described as one who was “blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil” (Job 1:1). Despite his righteousness, God allowed this suffering. The majority of the book contains discussions between Job and his three friends as to why all this was happening. The three friends reasoned that Job’s sufferings were the result of God punishing him for sin. But over and over, Job maintains his righteousness. Trials are not a sign of God’s disapproval.

One particular statement Job makes to defend his innocence is in Job 31:1. “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?” What is being referred to here? Is Job saying that he has made up his mind that he will not look at a woman for any reason at all? No. What he is saying is that he will not look at a woman with lust for her in his heart. The New International Version actually translates the verse this way: “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.”

Job’s decision was commendable. We see that he made a covenant. This was a decision that he was not going to look at a woman to lust. This is a good example for us today to follow. Make a covenant with your eyes not to lust. But we as Christians need to think of this as more than just a good suggestion. We can see from Jesus’ direct statement that this is not just a good idea, it is a divine requirement. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).

There are a few things we need to remember when it comes to the subject of lust. Remembering these things may help us avoid this sin. First of all, we are spiritual, eternal beings. Paul reminded the Corinthians, “though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). Many focus on the outer man, and so fulfill whatever desire they have. Yet we need to focus on the inner man – that which is spiritual and eternal. Colossians 3:2 tells us: “Set your mind on the things above, not on things that are on earth.” The outer man has no place in the things above. Its place is on the earth. But we are to focus on the things for the inner man — “the things above.” Romans 8:6 says, “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” Our focus must be on spiritual things. If it is, it will help us to avoid the problem of lust.

Secondly, we should remember that God has established an arrangement for man to fulfill sexual desires. These desires were instilled in us by our Creator. But that does not give us license to let these desires run wild. We must control them and act on them according to God’s will. Marriage is God’s arrangement for this. “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). One of the reasons God established marriage was for man and woman to fulfill these desires. Marriage helps people avoid immorality (1 Corinthians 7:2) because it provides a means of fulfilling sexual desires. “The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does” (1 Corinthians 7:3-4). Sexual desires are not wrong if we keep them within the confines of God’s arrangement — marriage.

Lastly, we need to view those of the opposite sex the way God intends. As with everything, this should be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:14). The world has sought to change the definition of love and equate it with sex. With this mindset, love would not prohibit lust. But this is not at all what the Bible means by love. The characteristics of love are described in 1 Corinthians 13. The basic idea is that love seeks after the best interest of others. We should view others in love, not lust. In writing to the young evangelist Timothy, Paul told him to treat the “younger women as sisters, in all purity” (1 Timothy 5:2). Instead of looking at those of the opposite sex with lust, we need to look at them as ones we should try to help along the way to heaven.

With these thoughts in mind, let’s have the same determination as Job. Let’s resolve to avoid lust and work to overcome it in our lives.