1) The lust of the flesh (Genesis 3:6; cf. Joshua 7:21 — "saw that the tree was good for food") — the insatiable appetite to indulge in pleasures that inflame the flesh but never truly satisfy (Numbers 11).
2) The lust of the eyes (Genesis 3:6 cf. Joshua 7:21 — "it was pleasant to the eyes") — wandering eyes that continually want more riches and possessions, but always remain covetous (Acts 5:1-10).
3) The pride of life (Genesis 3:6; cf. Joshua 7:21) — "a tree desirable to make one wise") — the vain mind that thirsts for man's applause. But the glory evaporates quickly (Acts 12:20-23).
The above three listed lusts are damaging to those who engage in them as well as the victims they leave in their destructive path. Additionally, these lustful desires can never fully satisfy, because they are temporary (Hebrews 11:24-25 ESV).
Where then can we find true and lasting satisfaction?
True and lasting satisfaction is found only when we give our affections [mind] to spiritual and eternal things (Colossians 3:1-4) — to a right relationship with our heavenly Father (2 Corinthians 6:16-18) and with those He has created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27; cf. Ecclesiastes 7:29; Ephesians 4:24; James 3:9).
Dear reader, let us remember that "The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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