Bible Reading: Genesis 15-17; Matthew 5:27-48
Memory verse: “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew 5:28 (NKJV)
The Son of God came to the earth to draw man closer to God amongst many other reasons. He is the only one who descended from heaven (John 3:13). He knows the Father very well and understands His views on all areas. He points out how our thoughts when not controlled can make us sin in Matthew 5:28 ( KJV), “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Now Jesus doesn’t condemn our appreciating somebody else’s beauty. But there is a very thin line between appreciation and lust. He’s talking about undressing the other person mentally. That imagined seduction, that fantasizing of what it would be like to have sex with that person. That is what Jesus says is tantamount to adultery. Again, this boils down to how we control our thoughts. If that thought is not dealt with sin lies at the door!
Jesus warns against this line of thought because He knows how we are wired by God. He knows that if we dwell long enough on such immoral thought it is only a matter of time before we act on it as Satan will take advantage of that thought. James 1:14 (KJV) says, “Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.”
So keep your thoughts in God by dwelling on the word of God in every issue. No matter how fast the thought came, quickly ask yourself, ‘what does God’s word say about this?’ As you discipline your thinking to rest on God’s word as the gauge or standard of whatever you dwell on, the enemy will be unable to take advantage of your thought.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu