Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Tammy Holtzclaw
Is there a difference between lusting and appreciating?
Martha Coleman
Yep! Appreciation is uplifting and honoring. Lust is degrading and wanting to selfishly use an object for one's own pleasure only.
Christina Marie
I wish to share three verses I find to be helpful in identifying this in my life, especially the final one, where King Solomon makes it clear that "feasting one's eyes" is not a goal worthy of a Christian, not worthy of one who wants to be near Christ:
"I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure." (Eccles. 2:10a)
"There was no end to his toil,
yet his eyes were not content with his wealth..." (Eccles. 4:8 partial)
"As goods increase, so do those who consume them.
And what benefit are they to the owner,
except to feast his eyes on them?" (Eccles. 5:11)