Disciples Take Sin Seriously
Whether it’s in Thought, Word, or Deed
Matthew 18:9
If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
~ Jesus
Last week, we pointed out that the USA operates under a highly sexualized culture. Nonetheless we are still responsible for what our eyes take in. While there are certainly external enticements, we need to face our internal temptations too. We have a choice over what our eyes look at or don’t look at.
Evangelist Dwight L. Moody aptly described this great source of sinful trouble: "I have more trouble with D. L. Moody than with any man I know".
Moody’s eyes may have dwelt on sinful pleasures at one time, but he never gouged his eyes out over it. Nor have I. Jesus isn’t seriously calling for us to gouge out our eyes; what He is calling for is a serious approach regarding sinfulness. Don’t minimize it or downplay it. That’s our focus this week from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, convict me of any area of my life where I’ve minimized my sin. I don’t want to accept what You find unacceptable. This may not be easy for me. Encourage me even as You draw my attention to sin I’ve been allowing to go unchallenged or unchecked.
(Pause and listen… consider writing and confessing; thank Jesus for the gift of forgiveness, then finish up remembering that you’re forgiven.)
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:161-168 (Shin, 21st letter)
ש
- Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.
- I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.
- I hate and detest falsehood but I love your law.
- Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.
- Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.
- I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands.
- I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.
- I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.
Micro-Meditation Action
Read the verses of the Psalm two times. Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.
Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The letter Shin signifies tooth (some say fire) which transforms other things. The psalmist faces pressure to be changed both from the world (rulers) and God (His word). He lets God’s word be his change agent.