“And if your right hand is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell” (Matthew 5:30).
Jesus moves from what we see that tempts us to sin to what we do that causes us to sin. What you do in this world matters. I am not talking about your occupation but about the things you do in the hiddenness of your heart. If you have love for others, as our Lord commands, you will do things for them. If you have desire only for yourself, everything will eventually be shown to be done for yourself alone.
Lord, I do know how to be selfish. I do know how to think only of myself. I do not want to live this way. Remind me, Holy Spirit, as I walk this day, to keep my mind upon Your prompting. Lead me in Your goodness and mercy to do all I need to do so that I may learn how to stay on the path of faithfulness. Guide me in the way You know I need to go so that my actions match the words of my lips and the meditations of my heart.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the grace I need. You are good and gracious, and You are always with me. In You I have hope. Lead me in that hope so that I may now and always walk according to Your goodness and mercy. Keep me from walking the broad way of destruction in order that I may humbly walk with You wherever You lead. Guide me today, my Lord, and help me to keep my focus upon You. Amen.
