1 If your hand causes you to sin…
The second half of Matthew 5, part of the Sermon on the Mount, contains some revolutionary teaching from Jesus on the theme of ethics. Each section begins with the words You have heard that it was said before Jesus enlarges on how we ought to live our lives.
So, let us walk through Matthew 5 this week as we reflect on divorce, swearing, revenge, enemies and, to start with, adultery.
You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery'. But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5: 27 - 28 [NIV]
Jesus looks beyond the act of adultery to the attitudes which lie behind it. Adultery is sinful, of course, but so is any fostering of lust through websites, books, films or fantasising.
What should we do about it? Jesus answers:
If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
Matthew 5: 29 - 30 [NIV]
Jesus is not speaking literally, but he is speaking seriously. We need to put to death anything which could take us from the Lord. This is what Jesus means when he talks of us 'taking up our cross and following him'.
To consider…
"I do not watch drama because it depicts cohabitation, promiscuity, infidelity, adultery and under-age sexual activity as not just normal but as mature and desirable." [Edward Enfield]
Lord, please create in me a pure heart. Amen.
David Long | |
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