But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment.
Matthew 5:22
Holy God & Holy Standards
A holy God calls His children to high and holy standards.
Jesus points out the true meaning of the law. He brings to attention two errors of the scribes and Pharisees of the day: restricting God’s commands and extending the commands of God, past His intention. Jesus points out that murder and adultery do not begin with blood-red hands or the act of adultery, but rather with a spirit of hatred and lust in the heart.
And the godly response is to be willing to sacrifice that which causes us to sin and so be obedient. It is more profitable for the part of our life which is given to sin, to die, rather than condemn our whole life. Being unwilling to make that sacrifice or just vaguely wishing to be better is the reason many remain trapped in sin or never come to Jesus.
Jesus is very clearly reminding the people that our thoughts play a crucial role in our lives. We are called to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). For it is in our thoughts that sin takes root. In a world of increasing greys, where almost anything is permissible, where almost nothing can be called to question without infringing on the privacy and freedom of people, Jesus calls His disciples to clear and high standards.
Sin is a matter of the heart before it is one of the actions.
Are there areas in your life where you are unwilling to make the sacrifice to be obedient to do what you know God calls you to? Would you trust God who helps us overcome and build your life?
Prayer
Guard my thoughts, O Lord and teach me to live by your standards each day.
0 Comments