“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:” — Colossians 3:5
“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;” — 1 Peter 2:11
Inordinate affection is a desire that has escaped God’s boundaries. It is an inward craving, emotional attachment, or fleshly passion that begins to control the heart.
Paul said to “mortify” these desires because if they are fed privately, they will eventually war against the soul publicly. Sin rarely begins outwardly. The battle usually starts in the thoughts, imaginations, and hidden affections of the heart.
Amnon — 2 Samuel 13
Amnon’s sinful affection toward Tamar consumed his thoughts until lust overruled discernment. What he called “love” was actually fleshly desire. After fulfilling his lust, his affection turned into hatred.
Inordinate affection always promises satisfaction but leaves shame, emptiness, and destruction behind.
Judas Iscariot — John 12:4-6
Judas followed Christ outwardly, but inwardly his affection was tied to money and selfish gain. Covetousness ruled his heart long before he betrayed the Lord for thirty pieces of silver. Hidden affection eventually revealed hidden corruption.
Believers must guard their hearts carefully. Whatever continually captures the thoughts, emotions, and desires of the soul will eventually influence decisions and direction.
That is why Scripture says: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” — Proverbs 4:23