March 26, 2012
Jesus teaches about sexual sin, again talking not just about the letter of the law but of the intent of the law. Someone who follows the letter of the law says I didn't commit the actual sexual act so therefore I did not sin. But Jesus says, I don't want someone who is a rule-follower, I want heart-followers. A heart follower understands the intent of the law, and understands that Christ wants pure hearts, changed lives, and a new way of thinking. (Ezekiel 18:30–32) We only fool ourselves when we think we are hiding our sinful thoughts and evil intentions in our hearts.
God knows our heart and thoughts. Jesus clearly explains that evil thoughts (even without action) is still sin. Thoughts generally turn into action, and Jesus says—get rid of your evil thoughts. Get rid of anything that causes you to sin. Change your hearts. Why live as close to sin as you can and hope not to get burned. Why not instead live as close to the heart of God as you can? Striving each day to be more Christ-like in your thoughts, words, actions, and deeds.
As for me, I choose to learn and grow each day. I choose to live as close to the heart of God as possible, understanding that I will never be finished with growing and learning while I have earthly breath. I choose to be a heart follower of Jesus Christ.
Next Entry: Matthew 5:1–48 (Continued)
Jesus teaches about sexual sin, again talking not just about the letter of the law but of the intent of the law. Someone who follows the letter of the law says I didn't commit the actual sexual act so therefore I did not sin. But Jesus says, I don't want someone who is a rule-follower, I want heart-followers. A heart follower understands the intent of the law, and understands that Christ wants pure hearts, changed lives, and a new way of thinking. (Ezekiel 18:30–32) We only fool ourselves when we think we are hiding our sinful thoughts and evil intentions in our hearts.
God knows our heart and thoughts. Jesus clearly explains that evil thoughts (even without action) is still sin. Thoughts generally turn into action, and Jesus says—get rid of your evil thoughts. Get rid of anything that causes you to sin. Change your hearts. Why live as close to sin as you can and hope not to get burned. Why not instead live as close to the heart of God as you can? Striving each day to be more Christ-like in your thoughts, words, actions, and deeds.
As for me, I choose to learn and grow each day. I choose to live as close to the heart of God as possible, understanding that I will never be finished with growing and learning while I have earthly breath. I choose to be a heart follower of Jesus Christ.
Next Entry: Matthew 5:1–48 (Continued)
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