If we define lust to be sexual desire, it is not sinful. It is as natural as hunger or fear -- genetically programmed into animals to ensure their continued survival.
The Creator left our cousins in the animal world free to follow their programming (instincts) as they wish (as far as we know).
The Creator chose to deal with H. Saps differently. He gave us "laws" which require us to manage (rein in) our selfish natural instincts for the benefit of others. Therefore, it is when we allow sexual desire (lust) to harm others (or ourselves), that it becomes a "sin".
Asking ourselves, "Does it harm ourselves or others?" is the best way to know if any particular behavior is a sin. Written laws (such as the 10 commandments) can only be a guideline. They are limited in scope. For example, they do not cover putting sugar in a neighbor's gas tank. They also require human definition. For example, taking another person's life can range from self-defense to the crimes of Hitler -- therefore the commandment, "Thou shalt not kill" requires human definition.
The laws our Creator put in our heart are much more useful. If we love our neighbor as ourselves, nothing will be left out (sugar in gas tanks) and it's unlikely we will commit the crimes of Hitler.
This is our Creator's "Gold Standard" for sin, if you please. If we adhere to it, we will be much more successful in pleasing our Creator (not sinning) than we can ever be trying to follow written "laws". If everyone used this "Gold Standard", it would be a much kinder and safer world to live in (which was the Creator's purpose for "laws" in the first place).
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