If your right eye causes you to sin,
tear it out and throw it away.
This is the extreme version of custody over the eyes. The point is that we don't have to let flesh reign in us anymore.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit (see Romans 8:5).
Without Jesus we are captive to the impulses that the flesh sends us to one degree or another. We occasionally restrain but mostly indulge impulses from our lower selves even though we know better. Without Jesus we are not really free. Now, in Jesus we can can choose to live by the Spirit instead of the flesh.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live (see Romans 8:13).
This applies to more than just lust. It applies to being able to control what we say to others. It applies even to facial expressions betraying impatience or anger. Thinking about controlling these things ourselves makes us realize that they are impossible. And indeed trying to suppress them is a doomed approach. We need the Spirit to fill us with new and better options. He helps us to value and love others rather than only want them when they are a benefit to us.
The Spirit may be calling us to give a small smile to one who has frustrated us. But the voice of the Spirit is quiet compared to the voice of the flesh. We need to learn to listen.
After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.
When he heard this,
Elijah hid his face in his cloak
and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.
So let us follow the advice of Paul, "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (see Romans 13:14). Our flesh is no longer our boss. We have freedom to the degree that we learn to receive it from the Spirit. We need to listen for him and look for him in all situations, especially in the fire and earthquakes of our lives.
I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD with courage;
be stouthearted, and wait for the LORD.
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