Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:27-28 (HCSB)
You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Today’s Question: What is the worst thought that has gone through your mind today?
Today’s Commentary:
I am glad that you cannot know what is going through my mind. I shudder, however, at the thought that God does know the inner recesses of my mind and my heart. Jesus reminds His disciples that nothing escapes the notice of our Creator.
Adultery is serious. The people listening to Jesus on the side of the mountain would agree that adultery defies the will of God and destroys families and relationships. Yet, they did not see any harm in a little “window shopping.” I like the International Children’s Bible translation of this passage, “But I tell you that if anyone looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her, then he has already done that sin with the woman in his mind.”
Jesus seems to be as concerned about our thoughts as He is our actions. While we must admit the consequences are not always the same, there are indeed ramifications of lust. Oswald Chambers rightly warned us, “We cannot think anything without the thought having its consequence.” (Shade of His Hand)
King David could give testimony here of the consequences of lust. David was walking around on his rooftop (more common than today). He noticed a beautiful woman bathing below. At this moment, he had a choice. It is not a sin to see a beautiful woman. But he should have turned his head, walked inside, and asked the Lord to purify his thoughts. Instead, he sent someone to find out who she was.
We have to be careful with our thoughts and take them captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5) No Christian is immune to lustful thoughts. It is what we choose to do with these thoughts after they pop into our minds that makes the difference between following the Lord and following the lies of Satan. James reminded believers, “No one undergoing a trial should say, ‘I am being tempted by God. For God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.” (1:13-16)
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #18: Disciples of Jesus must take control of their thoughts as they submit their minds to the obedience of Christ.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you the power and the desire to say “no” to sin.
Shepherding Well 