Do Not Lust
As we read and study the 49 scriptures that are Jesus's commandments, let's ask God to help us observe these words, apply them, and faithfully follow them throughout our lifetimes. The command we will focus on today is "Do Not Lust."
Verses of the Day
“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.”
Matthew 5 : 28– 30 ESV
Lesson of the Day
Jesus commands us not to lust. Let’s clarify what lust means to Jesus. In verse 27, He reminds us of God’s command: “Do not commit adultery.” Then Jesus takes it a step further. This shows us how Jesus Christ came to fulfill and clarify the law of God. He shows that the command reaches our hearts, not just our actions. God said, “Do not commit adultery,” but Jesus says if you look at someone with lustful intent, you’ve already committed adultery.
Next, He’s being drastic with it. He says to cut out your eye and throw it away. We would definitely feel like Jesus is going too far, but is He? He goes on to say that it would be better to lose a limb than to go to hell. When He puts it that way, it doesn’t seem so drastic.
Actually, the “cut out your eye” part is hyperbole. Jesus was being dramatic on purpose to show how serious it is. Lust isn’t just a you problem; it reduces a real person made in God’s image to an object, which is why it’s a love-your-neighbor issue too.
We are so used to letting our flesh have its way that we don’t think about the consequences. There are consequences to everything, be it good or bad. In this situation, it would be bad. Jesus wants us to be aware of the consequences so that we can make better choices. In making better choices, we continue walking in the path that He set for us.
The good news is, underneath this command, there is grace, because this standard is impossible. That’s the whole point. Nobody can look with a pure heart 24/7, which is exactly why we need a Savior, not just a self-help plan. The law shows us our need; grace meets us there. That’s the good news hiding inside this hard passage.
Encouragement
We all lust from time to time in our minds. I know I do. But when it happens, I tell myself, “No.” There are some really attractive people in this world. They look even better with makeup and movie magic. It is hard not to be attracted to some of those movie stars, sports stars, and such.
There are times when I don’t tell myself no. I try to be aware of it, but sometimes when watching a movie, I put myself in the place of the woman and see the relationship happening to me.
When that occurs, I need to just say no, ask God for forgiveness (repent), and focus on Jesus or my spouse.
If we’re going to lust, let’s lust to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Your grace is sufficient. Without it, where would we be? Thank You for Your commands that are made so that we can love and respect one another. You made us to be a little lower than angels. You gave us souls. You didn’t make us objects. Help us to recognize when we are treating someone like an object. May we repent of our sins and strive to love one another as we love ourselves, which therefore means we ultimately love You in doing so. Continue to teach us the right way to live. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray, amen.