Bible Verse: “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matthew 5:29-30)
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 7:1-27
Years ago, I saw a highway driver lose control at high speed and fly towards a massive cliff at the side of the road.
Thankfully for him, there was a guardrail, which did exactly what it was supposed to—absorb the impact, rapidly slow down the car, and direct it away from danger. Had the guardrail not been there, the accident would likely have been catastrophic, but because of the barrier, the damage was minor.
There is great wisdom in putting up protectors in life in many different ways. Seatbelts and guardrails protect us on the roads, and godly boundaries can protect us from lust.
In our key verse today, Jesus is not literally encouraging us toward self-mutilation. He is using rabbinical hyperbole (extreme exaggeration as a teaching tool to make a point) to tell us that we should radically and aggressively take action against our sin.
We have talked about confession and accountability so far. Alongside these two tools, used with someone we trust, we can find some common-sense boundaries that are wise and effective at keeping us safe from lust.
Proverbs says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). It is wise to seek ways to avoid sin.
All boundaries will require some sacrifice. We need to ask ourselves how badly we wish to be free from lust.
Here are some examples of boundaries that men can set:
- Accountability software on all devices
- Healthy boundaries with women who are not your wife
- No use of the internet when home alone
- Ensuring that internet browsers are set so that search history cannot be deleted
- Having a friend “on standby” that you can call if temptation arises
- Some men give up a smartphone altogether, finding the temptation too challenging
- Have Scripture readily available on your phone so that you can turn to it when thoughts begin wandering
- Being aware of times (e.g., late at night; when stressed out; when overly tired; etc.) when defenses are down, and you are more likely to be tempted to lustful thoughts or actions, and ensuring you are not alone or can redirect yourself in those moments
It’s best to set these boundaries with another person and in the light of day when lust is not an issue at the moment. Then, they can be another area of accountability that your friend can check in with you about.
Prayer: Lord, grant me the wisdom to know what tools will work best to practically help me overcome my lust with Your grace and help. Help me make a plan that works. Amen.
Reflection: What elements of the list above (or any new ideas) can you implement to help you in this area, even starting today?
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