day 36 “Many lame people will limp into heaven, and yet many more people will run to the gate and find it locked.”

Day 36

Matthew 5:29-30 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.

If taken in the literal sense, this passage would do a little more than scare the average person. It could also be taken out of context and lead to a weird cult of one-armed blind people. Thankfully, however, Jesus is not suggesting that people begin mutilating their bodies in order to inherit eternal life in heaven. What He is saying is that we must do whatever it takes to control our situations and discipline ourselves in order to avoid sin. So much so, that even if it meant losing a body part, it would be worth the sacrifice.

Shortly after my first wife and I were married, I decided to get serious about the Lord and stop dancing with the devil and then running to Jesus for another drop of blood to ease my conscience. I purposed to leave recovery and become delivered from my addictions. However, every time one of my buddies would drop by, I found myself giving in to the temptation of drugs, alcohol, and more. It wasn’t long before I decided to cut off all contact to change my environment. I chose to take drastic measures in order to save my life and marriage. My wife and I rented a home out of the area of my frequent travels, and we unlisted our phone number and cut off contact with all people associated with my former culture of addiction. Suddenly, the ability to avoid falling into the same old pit became rather easy; without the temptation, I was able to stand strong. The more I stood, the stronger I became, and eventually (years), I was able to stand in the midst of temptation and not be tempted at all.

My point is this: we must do whatever it takes to keep ourselves out of situations that we are not strong enough to avoid falling into. If you have issues with drinking or drug use, avoid at all costs any situations and people that place you somewhere that you can fail. If you are tempted with food, don’t have the foods you’re tempted with in your home; avoid the drive-through, and admit you have a problem. If your issue is porn, get rid of the Internet, cut off the TV stations, and have someone hold you accountable.

Jesus is making it very clear here that we must do whatever it takes, no matter how drastic it may seem, in order to be ready for His return or our joining Him in heaven. We must make the effort, take the stand, and avoid temptation. Our flesh is weak, and our enemy is far too evil and cunning to defeat on our own, but we must do our part. I believe if we will take a stand, then Jesus will stand with us, and there is no power in any universe greater than our God!

Daily Prayer: Father, I ask you to give me the strength to take drastic measures in order that I might have pure and holy fellowship with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

“Many lame people will limp into heaven, and yet many more people will run to the gate and find it locked.”

Gene Burroughs, Servant