Committing Sin is Not Just Outward

Just because I do not take the outward action on something does not mean that I was not involved nor am I devoid of accountability.

“²⁸But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 (ESV)

As I am reading this morning I am reminded that even with my thoughts of impropriety, I have already begun. My mind is a powerful thing, so much so that it will lead to things of the heart and once those things enter into the heart, I have sinned and am responsible for them just as if I had done them outwardly.

It is up to me to understand what the “rules” or “laws” are and then it is my responsibility to know when I am being led to go outside of them.

“²⁷You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’” – Matthew 5:27 (ESV)

Jesus reminds us of the “law” or “Commandment” in the case of adultery and then in verse 28 reminds us of the fact that the action contrary is committed even before the action is take outwardly. The same holds true for all others.

Just thinking of something does not make it a sin or against, it is when those thoughts enter into the heart and there is the thoughts of how to make them happen that leads to the sin. I can admire a beautiful woman, but I have to stop there before I begin to think of how to “get with her”. When I know and understand the “law” and “rules” I will know and understand when I am going down the path to break them. Once the thought enters my mind, it is my responsibility to rationally think about that and decide to turn and go the other way before that enters into my heart committing to the breaking of or action against that “law” or “rule”. I must take the opportunity to turn to God for His guidance and directions so that I am able to repent now and avoid the negative consequences that come with the decision to “commit” the act.

What things have you allowed to enter your heart that you may not have taken outward action on? Were you aware that just allowing the though to enter your heart and your thought on how to get away with it has generated the committing of the action? What if you were to recognize the thought and turn to God and allow Him to guide you away from the thought so as to not allow it to even reach your heart?