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. – Matthew 5:29

Beloved in the Lord, today Jesus is urging us to remove anything that causes us to stumble, we are confronted with a profound call to prioritize our spiritual health above all else. In our journey of faith, we encounter numerous distractions and temptations that can lead us away from the path of righteousness. Jesus’ words serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need to take radical steps to safeguard our souls. It’s a challenging message, but it underscores the importance of making tough choices to stay true to our beliefs.

When Jesus speaks of gouging out one’s eye if it leads to sin, he emphasizes the necessity of radical action to avoid spiritual harm. This extreme imagery serves to emphasize the gravity of sin and the lengths to which we must go to preserve our relationship with God. It’s a metaphorical call to remove anything in our lives that hinders our walk with the Lord, even if it means sacrificing things that seem important to us. Through this teaching, Jesus highlights the value of our souls and the eternal consequences of our choices.

Sometime back, I realized that my love for my game console was overriding my love for God. I spent time that I could’ve used in studying scriptures, praying and attending meetings on the console; and this was having serious implications on my physical and spiritual health. But I sought the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome that insatiable urge, then I repented and sold it.

As we meditate on these words, let us strive to identify and eliminate the stumbling blocks in our lives, whether they be consoles, habits, attitudes, or influences that distance us from God. May we have the courage to make the necessary changes and commit wholeheartedly to a life that glorifies God in all we do. In Jesus name, Amen.