[Jesus continued:] "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
—Matthew 5:27-28 NLT
In an era where adultery is considered acceptable, or at least something to be ignored, Jesus' standard of an inner-driven righteousness that transcends the call of the law of Moses to be sexually pure seems extreme. But adultery in practice begins with lust in the heart. More than just a look, lust is a look to have and possess. That kind of lust can move the heart into action to betray a holy covenant between God, a husband, and a wife. This betrayal is wrong. We must not hide behind righteous looking exteriors when our interior world is rotting with evil. We must deal with this lust or it will consume us.
O Lord God Almighty, create in me a clean heart. I want to be more like you in my character: pure, resisting things that are evil, and faithful, honoring my commitment to you and to others. Please forgive me in my times of weakness and mold me into your holy servant to be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Matthew 5:27-28 NLT
Key Thought
In an era where adultery is considered acceptable, or at least something to be ignored, Jesus' standard of an inner-driven righteousness that transcends the call of the law of Moses to be sexually pure seems extreme. But adultery in practice begins with lust in the heart. More than just a look, lust is a look to have and possess. That kind of lust can move the heart into action to betray a holy covenant between God, a husband, and a wife. This betrayal is wrong. We must not hide behind righteous looking exteriors when our interior world is rotting with evil. We must deal with this lust or it will consume us.
Today's Prayer
O Lord God Almighty, create in me a clean heart. I want to be more like you in my character: pure, resisting things that are evil, and faithful, honoring my commitment to you and to others. Please forgive me in my times of weakness and mold me into your holy servant to be used for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by ### and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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