Matthew 5:27 – 30 You have heard that it was said, You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.
Jesus continues His comparison between the way sin was viewed under the Old Covenant and the much higher standard under the New Covenant. The Law said adultery was a physical act, but Jesus says lust is as bad as actually committing the act.
God wants and commands that every part of our being be pure and holy. That includes our thoughts and desires as well as our actions. As mentioned in my previous post, humans can control their actions, but it takes the power of the Holy Spirit working in us to allow us to control our thoughts. This means the New Covenant requires us to be completely dependent on God for success.
Jesus engages in some hyperbole when He suggests tearing out an eye or cutting off a body part to keep from burning in hell. While it is true that losing parts of our physical body is preferable to an eternity of torment in hell, such drastic action does not protect one from thoughts. Blind and maimed people are capable of lust and fantasy just as much as a person with 20/20 vision or a whole body.
The statement does indicate the seriousness of impure thoughts. The adage “look but don’t touch” simply does not apply to Christians. Thoughts and desires are just as evil as actions and carry the same penalties. We must strive to be holy as God is holy (Leviticus 20:26). Of course, that is impossible. Even with the Holy Spirit’s power no one has successfully attained that goal. However, I believe the sincere attempt and constant self-discipline is a pleasing sacrifice to God and draws us closer to being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
Most Gracious and Merciful Father, please give me the strength to discipline my thoughts. Let me keep my heart pure so that I will be …