These are very serious words. Words that strongly encourage us to exercise self-control, concerning what we see, what we think, and especially what we do.
For us men, Just the thought of lusting after a woman in our sights, is the seed for committing adultery.(Matthew 5:28) If you have thought it, you have done it, in your heart. We may say, that this is very strict teaching. But the reality is, if we don't take our thoughts captive to Jesus right away (2 Corinthians 10:5) they will captivate us, and motivate us to sinful activity.
The Venus Flytrap can digest an insect in about 10 days. The process begins when an unsuspecting bug smells nectar on the leaves that form the trap. When the insect investigates, it crawls into the jaws of the plant. The leaves clamp shut within half a second and digestive juices dissolve the bug.
(Our Daily Bread 4/12/2016)
The Bible gives us warnings, such as this one by Jesus, that there are boundaries we must honor. We are to allow the Holy Spirit to control our responses, to what we see, and what we take into our hearts.
How many times have we allowed ourselves to go beyond the will of God, saying: "I can do it just this time" But it won't be the only time, will it?
It's time to take these warnings to heart! GP
Photo ID 13128548 © Erik Reis | Dreamstime.com