The Seriousness Of Sin

Verse: If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. Matthew 5:29 - 30

No, Jesus is not condoning maiming yourself til you are obedient to Him. He is making a strong statement so we will realize how seriously God takes sin. Too many times we give in to temptation comforting ourselves with the thought that God will forgive us anyway. God does not want us to have a flippant attitude about disobedience. After all, Jesus equates obedience with our love for Him. He wants His followers to hate sin as much as He does.

How many of us have ever disobeyed someone while they were watching us? Usually we will wait until we think no one is watching before we will try to get away with something. Before you give in to temptation try to remember that God is present with you. In the presence of His company will you choose to honor Him or disobey Him?

Prayer: Dear Lord - Thank you for loving me so much that you paid my penalty for my sins. Please help me never to take advantage of your mercy and grace. Help me to remember you are always present with me and to act accordingly. In Jesus name - Amen.