Matthew 5:27-30
Key Verse: “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to 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 the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30 CSB)
Back when I was in school, there were certain courses that we were required to take in order to get our degree. At that time, this included a number of economics courses, along with a bunch of courses in math. It was horrible. I always preferred the electives. They were the courses that weren’t compulsory and always seemed more interesting. The choice to take them or not was entirely up to me.
For a follower of Jesus Christ, the pursuit of holiness is not optional. It’s not an elective that you can sign up for if you so choose. The Scriptures tells us that, “as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). This includes your thoughts, your words, your actions, and everything else. Holiness is the will of God for each of our lives (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4).
Holiness in the Jewish Law included clear and very serious instructions on sexual purity. The seventh of commandments said, “Do not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). To do so was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:10).
Jesus taught though that the pursuit of holiness in this area isn’t just about a physical act. According to Jesus, “everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matters of holiness also include what is going on in our minds and in our hearts. To even look at someone with lustful intent is to cross the line and to step outside the boundaries of what God has established.
So how can we ensure that we stay on the right path in this area? How can we guard ourselves against compromise? First and foremost, we must acknowledge that we don’t have the strength on our own to do this. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). It’s not about trying harder. Holiness begins with surrender. It is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can walk in holiness moment by moment.
At the same time though, holiness requires deliberate diligence on our part. In verses 29-30, Jesus uses some graphic imagery, including the gouging out of eyes and the cutting off of hands, to describe what the pursuit of purity should look like. To be clear, Jesus is speaking figuratively, not literally. He is using hyperbole to highlight how seriously we should take matters of holiness in our lives.
Sin is serious business to a Holy God. And so it must be with us as we seek to follow Jesus. Desperate times call for desperate measures. We must be willing to do whatever is necessary to pursue holiness in our lives.
In 2 Timothy 2:22, we are told to, “Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). What does that look like for you right now? In what areas are you most tempted? What changes can you make? Who can you ask to come alongside you to support you through accountability and prayer? Take this all to the Lord today and invite Him to guide you.
Prayer: God, you are holy and have called me to be the same. I confess that there are areas where I am tempted right now. Help me to choose the better path. Holy Spirit, I surrender to you today. Give me the strength I need to stand firm and to honor you. Amen.
