We Don't Even Have To Try To Lust

Sometimes when someone acts cold-hearted and cruel toward you, it is at that precise time when God begins to use you most. I am a slow learner by nature and when someone is mean to me I sometimes want to cry and run the other way. However crying and running away isn't as easy to do when you share the same work space. I am speaking for a moment about Peter whom I see each day at work. I am not using Peter's real name in this story but it's true and continues to unfold each day.

When I first met Peter a few months ago, he did not greet me nor would he talk to me except to express his great and deep displeasure for me being in his presence. A few words to describe Peter come to mind: rude, condescending and just plain angry. On that particular day, I was attempting to be friendly by asking his name and introducing myself but he would have none of that. Instead it was made clear I could however refer to him using a profane cussword name and that’s all I needed to know---end of discussion. I replied back in as direct and deliberate tone as I could manage being the shy guy I am and told Peter I would not refer to him that way because "I don't work that way". It was clear to me, I was afraid of Peter. It also became rather obvious (through the help of my girlfriend) what was going on in this situation. Peter was attempting to use a commonly used tactic called intimidation. He was going to be the big bully just like it was back in elementary school. Realizing this, I did not want him to win. But how? I believed this to be a spiritual battle and at that moment, with God's working in my life and in Peter's, I prayed that God was going to do something miraculous for His glory and honor.


Peter's stern concrete tone and no-nonsense work ethics continued for months since I recall my first shocking encounter with him. Up until recently, I have been nearly certain he hated me and all those who cross his path.
Within the past couple weeks, Peter has done something I never would've imagined him to do. He has been talking to me and actually trying to gain my interest rather than drive me away. Within the past day or so we've hit on something we have in common and struggle with. It is especially difficult for men and that is: lust. I sensed immediately the Holy Spirit was prompting me to make it clear to Peter that Jesus looks at lust as adultery in the heart and since all guys struggle with this we can't get off the hook for breaking God's holy righteous standard seen in the Ten Commandments. Peter agreed; lust is something we do and it comes naturally ---we don't even have to try to lust. I wanted to explain the consequences for breaking God's holy commands and the way of escape through Jesus Christ and the cross but we were quickly interrupted. The neat thing is that I can clearly sense that Peter is trying to be kinder toward me especially since our short conversation about lust. He hasn't yelled at me or attempted to bite my head off lately. Amazing? I believe this is a spiritual battle and God is working here for His glory and honor. Nothing is impossible with God. I believe the Lord is preparing Peter's heart for the Good News of Jesus Christ and preparing mine for the best possible way and time to be able to share it!

"I am not ashamed of the gospel [of Jesus Christ], because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16
I pray this is true for you and I each day.