Daily Bread 2-3-18

The Sermon on the mount (cont'd)

Matthew 5:30

And if they right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

The scripture tells us today that if we have something in our hearts and minds that fights against us or offends what we have been given in Jesus Christ, that it is better for us to get rid of it than for us to end up in hell for clinging to it. Thinking of the right hand we think of one of the most important limbs of our bodies, our strongest and most skilled limb(that is, unless you are left handed!). It is something that we see as necessary for our every day function and existence. But to depend on something that you can not depend on is going to cause more harm than good. If the right hand starts doing things that are contrary to our will, then rather than let it destroy the good parts that we have left, we are instructed to cut it off. This goes with the elements in our lives that we think are irreplaceable and important in our daily lives as well. Let's not let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch. But in our minds, once again, we need to cleanse ourselves from the evil things that are in us and cause us to sin or offend. These things can and will be healed and taken away if we ask in Jesus' name. But first we must recognize the things that we have held near and dear and weigh if they are helping or hindering our service to God. This is not about if it is causing others harm. It says if the right hand offend thee. It is if we are offended. It pertains to our own souls and our own lives. Many do not believe in this when it comes to family or loved ones, even brothers in the Church who are in offense to it's statues and the callings that they have signed on to perform. But what is written has been written for our learning and instruction and this is a message for all Christians including leaders. If it is offending and causing turmoil contrary to the beliefs and teachings of this gospel, get away from it. People, places, and things can drag us all to hell if we are not careful. This is why God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life!(Jn 3:16). So, let's believe that not only did he die on that cross, but also that this sermon and his message is correct and on time for us!! Thank you Jesus!! Have a great day!!!