Matthew 5:21-32 Anger, Lust, and Divorce

When Christ says: "You have heard that it was said," he was not criticizing the Law. He was criticizing people's interpretation and understanding of the Law. The Law is good and spiritual and Christ came to fulfill it. Unfortunately, many had misinterpreted and misunderstood what the Law intended and he was about to straighten it out.

If we are to live according to the Law of the Kingdom, we have to start looking at the simple things of life like anger, lust, and divorce. These were common issues during Jesus' day and they still are issues of today. It is easy to justify our anger with another, but it is very difficult to own up to our responsibility to be at peace with one another. Jesus calls us to view anger against our brother at the same level as murder. Who wants to be guilty of murdering your brother in your heart?

Lust is a common problem in our day as well. Porn sites and TV channels have proliferated like never before in the last few years. Don't think that lust is just sexual in nature. It has to do with desiring that which you don't have - compulsive shopping, envy, etc. apply here. In Christ's day there were no advanced communications, but still the problem of lust was real. How much more of a problem do you think it is today? People of the kingdom must realize that lust is an issue of the heart that begins with the eyes. We need to nurture purity of mind and heart through a commitment to exercise self-control with our eyes.

Divorce is rampant in our society. The sad story is that it is as bad among believers as among non-believers. If we are to live according to the principles of the kingdom, we must guard our marriages with all our might to honor God. When was the last time you dated your wife? When was the last time you spent some quality time together? Relationships tend to break down if there is no communication.

As I examine my life against the call of Christ, I see it falling short of the mark. I need to improve my relationships with my brothers and sisters. I need to repair misunderstandings and miscommunications. I need to seek peace in every relationship. My eyes are not always in tune with heaven, but so many times have been distracted by worldly things. I need to focus and intentionally filter the junk of this world and stop taking it in on a daily basis. My marriage needs time and attention. I must seek to improve communications with my wife. I must love unconditionally.

Lord, your call cannot be met if you don't empower me to live a godly life. I need you this day and every day to live out the principles of the kingdom. Help me in my relationships. Guide my eyes to all that is good and to shun what is evil. Fill me with your love to love unconditionally the wife you have given me.