As with all of the seven deadly sins, the sin of lust starts in the heart.  While the word "lust" probably draws to mind some illicit sexual activity, the reality is the action starts in the heart.  Here's what Jesus said about lust:  ²⁷“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’
²⁸But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. ²⁹So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 
³⁰And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:27-30 NLT  The Pharisees of Jesus day were "good" people, that is they didn't DO any of the bad things most folks do.  Jesus showed them (and all of us) that what we do is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to sin.  Sin doesn't start with our eyes and hands (more on that tomorrow).  It starts in our hearts!

Take some time to read through Matthew 5:27-30 and ask yourself this question:  What is the condition of my heart when it comes to lust?  Take some time to think and pray through the answer to that question.  Tomorrow, we're going to look into Jesus' intent when he told us to gouge out our eyes and cut off our hands in order to eliminate sin from our lives, (He was using FIGURATIVE language!), but for today let the Holy Spirit examine your heart and move you to the changes necessary to eliminate the deadly sin of lust from it!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for addressing even the toughest matters in Your word!  Examine my heart, and cleanse me of all sin, that I may glorify You in my thoughts, words and actions today and everyday.  This I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.