Jesus, addressing the disciples, challenged them to think boldly and drastically about temptation and sin. He said, “…if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it way. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire.” Matthew 18:8
I am not a theologian, but I’m pretty sure Jesus is not suggesting physical self-mutilation here. But I do believe He is challenging the disciples, and likewise us, to take drastic measures against known sin in our lives.
How seriously do we take sin?
Do we mount up an all-out effort to stop it at the point of temptation before it drags us down into the pit of sin?
OR
Do we glance at temptation mounting as no real battle at all?
Jesus also tells us clearly it is far better, far, far better to forgo short-term “benefits, comforts, and pleasures” to obtain long-term eternal graces.
“And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes be thrown into the hell of fire.” Matthew 18:9
How seriously do you take sin? How drastic are the measures you take to combat sin in your life?
May God give us all the strength to do battle.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
