LUST AFTER HER - Matthew 5:28
Matthew 5:28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
In the Ten Commandments, we were taught that one should not commit adultery. However, when Christ came to this earth, HE did not destroy the law, but called us to a higher standard. The higher standard that Christ called us to does not only require us to ensure that our actions are pleasing to God, but now we are also accountable to God for our thoughts.
When Jesus was asked about divorce, HE told us that it was because of the hardness of our hearts that God permitted divorce in certain circumstances. However, Jesus then went on to show us that from the very beginning it was not the will of God that man should divorce. When a man and woman marry, they become one, and that union was never intended to be broken.
How many times have you heard someone say that they wish they had the blessings of God upon their life? They make clear that they think they deserve more from God for their commitment to be HIS child. However, these same people who feel like God owes them something are the same people who do not attempt to live their lives according to the perfect standards of God. They want the best from God, but they are not willing to do HIS perfect will.
God may have permitted man to obtain a divorce but HIS perfect will is that no divorce occurs. If you desire to serve God, then you need to take the time pursuing the perfect will of God. You cannot be your own judge, but instead, you need to take the time to add knowledge of the ways of God so that you can understand how you appear in the eyes of God.
It does not matter how good of intentions you have, if you do not live your life according to the perfect will of God, you will never receive the full blessings that HE has for you. In this passage, Christ makes it clear that God is not just looking at your actions but that the thoughts of your heart will also be judged.
It does not matter how pure your actions are, if Satan has control of your heart, God will not be able to use you to the fullest extent possible. You may not have ever committed the act of adultery, but that does not mean that you have not violated the law of God and committed adultery in your heart.
If you have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, you must confess your sins because HE is faithful and just to forgive you of your sins. It is a hard concept to understand but you must also confess the sins of your heart to God. Just because you have never acted upon your thoughts, it does not mean that you have not sinned.
When Christ died on the cross, HE died for your sins; this includes your sins of your heart. You are not saved by your own righteousness; you are saved as a result of you accepting the gift of God. Your own works will not result in your salvation.
God has made HIS perfect will perfectly clear. You can know HIS will by adding knowledge of the ways of God. God not only expects your actions to be pleasing to HIM, but HE also expects your thoughts to be pure. If you dictate your own standards for your life, you will probably still ensure that your actions are right since it is only natural that one earns their way to heaven by being good. However, only God can set a standard where you are accountable for your thoughts.