Inordinate affection, as referenced in Colossians 3:5, denotes excessive or unnatural desires, particularly regarding sexual lusts or passions that lead one away from Godly living. It implies a misalignment of priorities where one’s affections are improperly directed, often toward idolatrous or sinful behaviors.
Scripture
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Inordinate Affection: Biblical Meaning Explained
Inordinate affection, as depicted in Colossians 3:5, serves as a caution against allowing one’s passions and desires to dominate their life in ways that detract from their spiritual integrity. The verse states, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” This strong admonition illustrates that such excessive attachments can lead to a form of idolatry, where individuals prioritize desires over their relationship with God. The instruction to “put to death” these affections emphasizes the necessity of active spiritual discipline and the commitment to aligning one’s heart and priorities with God’s will.
Throughout the Bible, the theme of controlling one’s desires appears repeatedly. For instance, James 1:14-15 warns that “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” This points to the broader ramifications of inordinate affections not only as a personal hindrance to holiness but also as a community issue that can lead others astray. Matthew 6:21 reinforces the idea, stating that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” highlighting the importance of directing one’s affections toward God and His purposes, rather than allowing them to be drawn towards sinful pursuits that ultimately lead to spiritual death and separation from the Divine. By cultivating a heart that values godly passions over inordinate affections, believers can experience true fulfillment and spiritual life.
Inordinate affections can sometimes stem from human inclination to prioritize temporal gains over eternal truths. The Bible emphasizes the importance of discernment in managing desires, as seen in Proverbs 4:23, which states, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” This verse underscores the necessity of guarding the heart against desires that can lead to negative outcomes. When affections become disordered, they can disrupt not only personal integrity but also one’s witness to the surrounding community, reflecting a pattern that contradicts God’s design for human flourishing. The heart, often seen as the seat of emotions and desires, must be continually aligned with God’s purpose, ensuring that the passions we nurture lead to life rather than death.
Moreover, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addresses the need to redirect the affections of the believer towards the virtues exemplified by Christ. In Galatians 5:19-23, he contrasts the works of the flesh—many of which can be associated with inordinate affections—with the fruit of the Spirit. This dichotomy highlights the transformative potential of spiritual affections guided by the Holy Spirit compared to those driven by earthly desires. By embodying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, believers cultivate a life that reflects their commitment to God. Such a focus not only nourishes the individual spiritually but also fosters a healthier community, where the influence of unchecked desires is minimized and God’s love can flourish. The narrative of inordinate affections, therefore, is not merely personal; it encapsulates the collective journey toward holiness and authentic relational dynamics with God and others.
The Nature of Inordinate Affection
Inordinate affection refers to an excessive or disordered love that can lead individuals away from their spiritual commitments. This type of affection often prioritizes earthly desires over divine principles, resulting in a misalignment of values. It can manifest in various forms, such as unhealthy attachments to people, possessions, or even ambitions that distract from one’s relationship with God. The Bible encourages believers to cultivate a love that is balanced and rooted in righteousness, steering clear of affections that can lead to sin or spiritual decay.
The Consequences of Inordinate Affection
Inordinate affection can have significant consequences on both personal and communal levels. When individuals allow their passions to govern their actions, it can lead to moral compromise, broken relationships, and a distancing from God. This misalignment can create a cycle of temptation and sin, ultimately resulting in spiritual stagnation or decline. The Bible warns that unchecked desires can lead to destructive behaviors, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the need to align one’s affections with God’s will for a fulfilling and righteous life.
The Call to Righteous Affection
The Bible calls believers to redirect their affections towards what is good, pure, and holy. This involves cultivating a love that reflects God’s character and intentions. By focusing on righteous affections, individuals can foster relationships and pursuits that honor God and contribute to their spiritual growth. The transformation of inordinate affection into righteous love is a key aspect of the Christian journey, encouraging believers to seek fulfillment in their relationship with God rather than in transient or disordered desires.
How to Cultivate Balanced Desire in Your Faith Journey
Cultivating balanced desire in your faith journey is about aligning your passions with God’s will, and it starts with self-reflection and prayer. Take time to examine what you truly desire—are these aspirations drawing you closer to God or leading you away? Remember, it’s perfectly natural to have desires; even Jesus had desires, but He always sought to fulfill them in harmony with His Father’s purpose. Engage in regular prayer and scripture reading to help discern which desires are rooted in love and service, and which may be distractions. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you, helping you to keep your focus on Christ. Ultimately, balanced desire is about surrendering your wants to God, trusting that He will guide you toward a life that reflects His love and grace. Embrace this journey with an open heart, and watch how your desires transform into a beautiful expression of your faith.
Bible References to Inordinate Affection:
Romans 1:24-27: 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature;
27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
Galatians 5:19-21: 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,
21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 4:17-24: 17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.
18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.
19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
20 But that is not the way you learned Christ! – Ephesians 4:20 (ESV)
21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus,
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,
23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-7: 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;
4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,
5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;
6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.
7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11: 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
2 Timothy 3:1-5: 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,
4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
James 1:13-15: 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.
14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
1 Peter 4:1-4: 1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,
2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.
3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.
4 With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;
Jude 1:5-7: 5 Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.
6 And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day.
7 just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.