The Excuse-Making Machine

Today's Gospel Reading is Matthew 5:27-32.
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27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 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. 30 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.

31 "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (ESV)

It is amazing how often we make excuses for things we know are wrong. What's even more amazing is how good we are at doing it. We find the line that we're not supposed to cross, and we do literally everything except step across it. We lay down on it. We put one leg over it. We straddle it. We lean as far over it as possible. We do absolutely everything thing we can do to that line, except technically cross it.

That is the attitude Jesus is getting at here. The Pharisees and others had found that "line" in dealing with adultery and divorce. They knew God didn't like these things, and they wanted to obey God. But they still wanted to do what they wanted to do.

With both adultery and divorce, the Pharisees had found "loopholes" that allowed them to do what they wanted without actually, technically sinning. They were asking, "How far can I go and still not sin?" If I don't actually cheat on my wife, then it's not actually sin, right?

Ever asked that question? I know I have. We don't want to break God's commands, but we want to everything we else that is allowable. But Jesus smacks us here and shows us that this attitude is not allowable.

To Jesus, sin is a big deal, even to the extent that He recommends maiming your body so that your soul stays pure. That's rather drastic, but wouldn't it be better to lose a hand, foot, or eye, if it means that through that sacrifice, we get to enter Heaven?

God's commands are more penetrating that we give them credit for, and there is no imaginary sin-line. If our hearts desire to sin, then we have sinned already. If we passionately long for what does not belong to us, then we are already thieves, adulterers, or cheaters. If we hate someone else, and wish they were dead, then we are guilty as murderers.

Like we said on Wednesday, far from doing away with the Law, Jesus points out how difficult obedience really is. Even our thoughts and desires can condemn us.

So what is that we need to cut out of our lives to ensure that we avoid sin? What needs to go? Do you find temptation more difficult when you're alone or with certain people? Do you find certain TV shows drive you to lust, bitterness, or laziness? How is the Internet feeding or starving your soul? How are your past times? Does your job easily lead you into greed or tempt you to lie, cheat, and steal to get what you want?

We are excuse-making machines. But Jesus is telling us to flee sin and temptation at all costs. That is incredibly difficult to do. We will need to make real sacrifices and change our life styles so that we are pure and holy, pleasing to Him. This is drastic, but, "at all costs," is pricey. It's expensive. Still, the riches and treasures of Heaven and Jesus Christ are worth so much more.

With His help, grace, mercy, and love, all things are possible, even Heaven, obedience and the ability to turn off our excuse-making machine.

O Lord God, I have sinned against and lied to myself, saying that I really haven't. I have tried to do everything I've wanted to do, but I realize now that in actuality, I did, in fact, disobey You. Help me listen to the words of Jesus Christ and stop making excuses and toeing the line. I need to cut out things in my life that I love and enjoy, but I know that pleasing You is more important. Give me the strength and passion to let go of worthless things, and follow Christ Jesus, my Lord. It is in His holy and precious name, I pray. Amen.