A Radical Commitment to Spiritual Health

If your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. The stark directive in the Gospel of Matthew challenges us to confront sin with unwavering resolve. While not advocating literal self-harm, it powerfully illustrates the need to remove anything that tempts us to stray from God’s path. This could mean ending harmful habits, and unhealthy associations, or avoiding environments that lead us astray. The essence of this teaching is to prioritise our spiritual health, even when it requires difficult, uncomfortable choices.

Consider someone struggling with addiction to social media, which fosters envy, distraction, or neglect of personal relationships. He or she might try to limit usage, set strict boundaries, or seek support. A deliberate 'cutting off' of the source of temptation reflects a commitment to living a life according to God’s will. By taking such steps, we not only protect our spiritual well-being but also demonstrate our dedication to Christian values.