Why does the Bible forbid some human emotions like lust, pride, ambition/greed?

Question

I believe in God, but sometimes I think that I'm not really close to him. I ask for things, but I get the feeling that he doesn't listen to me as seriously because I'm a sinner. In other words why does the Bible forbid lust, pride, and ambition, these are very normal traits of human nature and I think that the only true sins are when you murder, when you steal, and when you don't respect property (ex. a wife or something like that). I mean does God want us to be like monks? Everybody is ambitious, everybody wants a better living, why not perceive it, I mean I don't want to be poor, and I do respect poor people, I'll even give money to the poor. I watch porn, and that's my lust right there, why is it bad, I like it and I'm not hurting anyone, does God dislike me because of this? Someone clarify on this, are we supposed to be like monks?

I made a mistake when I said wifes are property, I'm only 19 years old, cut me some slack, I didn't really think about what I wrote, lol.

Answer 1

Someone once told me that God doesn't expect us to be perfect, that perfection is his job, ours is to strive for it.
God expects us to attempt to follow the guidance offered in the Bible, but understands that we are not perfect. If you are repentant for your sins, and ask forgiveness, he will give it.
You are not repentant for your sins and try to justify them. Sins are things that are offensive to God, according to the Bible. That is why they are bad. You say your sins are "not hurting anyone", but what about God, The Father? Your sins must hurt him, offend him.
Think about it. If you hurt God and think you do no wrong, how close do you think you can be to him?
And by the way, No is an answer, just the one we don't want to hear.

Answer 2

God does not want you to be poor. If you are rich (w/money) and it is not ill-gotten gain, then its the blessings of God - enjoy them!
God doesn't want you to be a monk, either!!! (you're silly) -
look, yes, we do have our moments; we are in the flesh, and we all sin - The Bible strongly suggests you not lust or practice pride because it'll get your butt into trouble, get it? Ambition is wonderful; God loves a person who works hard and is motivated, but thats not the same as greed. Greed is something we can all control, and God is not gonna be very receptive to it, for sure.
If you have sinned, repent. I don't care if you have to repent ten times tonight - do it. If you are practicing the same sin over and over - be honest with Him. He's your Father - the closest relative you have - tell Him about this sin; ask for His help. Don't think He's not listening to you, believe me, He certainly is. Perhaps what you are asking for isn't a good thing for you - If a little kid prayed for a rattle snake, do you think God should give it to him?
Well, He might not give it to you for that reason. Or, maybe you haven't been patient. Are you looking for it to materialize immediately? Be patient!! Another thought is maybe it is not the right time yet - Maybe He knows a better time for it - maybe even doing it now would in some way negatively affect someone else who prays to Him. We are not His only children, ya know?

I say, repent of your sins, be honest, talk to Him - ask Him for what you need, but pray for it IN HIS WILL, NOT YOURS.
ie; Lord if it be your will, would you---------whatever it is.
Keep the faith; you are not being ignored because of sin;
God does not leave us or forsake us - although sometimes we wonder off.....Stay close to Him. You sound like a wonderful person; keep being that, you're doing fine. Don't worry!!!!

Answer 3

The reason the Bible tells us to avoid the human emotions like lust, pride , and greed is because a person can overdo it and get into serious trouble. For instance, greed, it can make a person become so stingy and not bother to help anyone that is in need. It makes you only care about how much money and possessions you have. That's what causes many divorces, killings, and wars. God does not expect us to be like monks. He gave us the Ten Commandments to follow and guide us through life. None of us are perfect, but we try to live a civilized life. It sounds like you are trying to live a good life.

Answer 4

If you have to "watch PORN" then you do have a problem. You are lusting after women instead of your wife. That is not a good thing. She should be the only woman that you care in that way about. When you look at another woman in that way then you have already committed adultery according to the scriptures. I have seen NO SCRIPTURE about ambition. A man/woman should have ambition in such a manner that they want to get ahead in life. That does not mean that you will walk on other people to get your way to the "top of the heap". Being ambitious also should mean that you are willing to help others as you climb the ladder of success in whatever job you are working. Your wife is NOT PROPERTY. You are to love HeR as YoUrSeLf according to Paul in his letter to Timothy. GOD will help you to get over your sins if you ask HIM for help and work to be away from such desires. GOD does not dislike the Sinner, only the SIN! Get busy reading and studying HIS WORD this weekend with your wife (and children). Have a great evening.
Eds

Answer 5

god doesn't expect you to never have those thoughts, just resist them. for example, many of us want to punch teh boss, but we don't! God rules out negative emotions that won't get you anywhere. i think He banned lust because it's harmful to the family as you should be spending time with the wife and kids instead of a movie of naked chicks. also, not so good for the female half of the human race. ambition alone isn't bad and is not a sin, but how you go about being ambitious could be bad. He doesn't want you to be a monk, just the best you that you can be! God does love you and when he doesn't give you what you pray for, remember that he doesn't give ANY of us what we pray for! i bet your parents didn't give you everything you asked for and YOU wouldn't give ANYONE everything they asked for, such as a wife or child. don't let that enter the equation. just be a good person! the big guy loves us all!

Answer 6

I think thats a great question man. I am somewhat of a christian and most religions conbine, ask me how i do it, i probably won't have a sufficient answer. But i feel who ever believe in the church dogma, won't really look at these things as god being really unreasonable. They would feel he's out for their best interest, which is understandable. But to a certain point when you are struck by enlightenment or knowledge, whatever you want to call it, you begin to question things...how much of god is real? Am i limiting my life and robbing myself of the happiness that i feel is not hindering anyone? I feel if you watch porn, that is not really sin, the fat men who wrote the bible, just included that to keep make young boys who have a lot of hormones to not give int to their "Feelings"..and since those men were old, viagra wasn't out then, so yea, caught them! they were jealous of the young boys, so thats why you often find that some catholic priest molesting young children? i am not sure, but it makes you wonder. lol.

Answer 7

The Bible discourages you from these things because they can easily come in between you and God, and interfere with your relationship with God. There are no such things as "true" sins, because God views all sins equally and in his eyes, a murderer is no worse than someone who has told a little white lie. Yes, these things you speak of may be "human nature", but I think that the whole point is to push away "human nature" and aspire for a spiritual one. However, God understands that we are all going to sin. He knows that none of us are able to maintain a perfect life. I think that having your heart in the right place is more important to God than whether or not you follow every single one of the rules every minute of the day. Don't focus so much on what you feel your sins are and focus more on your relationship with God.

Answer 8

The strict rules on lust originate from the belief that "spilling your seed" was a sin even though sperm are not human. I understand most of what your saying but religion in general doesnt make sense.

By the way you should seriously rethink this statement:
"when you don't respect PROPERTY (ex. a wife or something like that)."
Women are property?- why dont you tell your wife that, lol

Answer 9

well having to much of it causes us to sin... ex some people that are really ambitious will do anything to reach there goals even if it means stepping on like 5 people to get what they want and that's when those kind of things becomes sins.well the thoughts about the women in the porn are ungodly because the people in the porn are doing an ungodly act. and glamorizing something suppose to so beautiful and wonderful between the person your going to spend the rest of your life with. and maybe god doesn't answer your prayers because you are always in doubt and questioning him just have faith in what you ask for believe that you will receive it and remember he knows more than you. and if you have all these questions about his ways read the bible and ask him your questions when you pray To him

Answer 10

Ambition and greed don't mean the same thing.

Ambition can be Christ centered. Greed is selfish and me, me, me.

Lust is wanting your neighbors things or things you shouldn't have. Desire is good because God can put good desires in you. Pride exalts self and self above God or others. Humble doesn't. God resists the proud, & gives grace to the humble.

Porn is committing heart adultery (lust) against your spouse or future spouse. Jesus said that if you look at a woman to lust after her you are committing adultery of the heart.


You haven't yet confessed Jesus Christ Lord of your life and had heart faith in His redemption and Resurrection. So, you need to repent and do this. You need to be born again.