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Marriage Mondays

“And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:” Mark 9:47

The first time I read this scripture, I cringed. The thought of having one eye just wasn’t all that appealing. I understood what the scripture meant, but I didn’t really understand until I was married.  During the early years of my marriage, I hate to admit it, but I allowed my eyes to get me in a lot of trouble and I’m certain the same goes for my hubby since we’d gotten married while still in high school.

It’s not that looking at members of the opposite sex is the sin, it’s what thoughts you allow to follow those looks that’s the problem.  But fantacizing, or even flirting with someone aside from your spouse is bound to lead to trouble. Of course, I was stubborn then, I enjoyed looking and as awful as it sounds (I’m sure you’ve never done this) I relished looking at handsome men. My friends would email pictures of topless firemen and musclebound living sculpures – and I’d spend most of my time in fantasy-land, thinking wrong thoughts…

Don’t get me wrong, I totally believe my husband is handsome, I love him and as I’ve matured, I completely cherish him.  But with the mentality I had back then, since I saw him everyday, live and in person, I took him for granted. I took him and our marriage for granted.  How did that happen?  It’s because I was looking at someone else and thinking they were better than him.  Certainly not what I intended, but that’s what seemed to happen…until one day, this scripture kicked in for me – more like kicked me in the butt (as deserved).

It would have been better for me to literally pluck my own eye out than to allow it to cause me to disregard my husband and decrease the value of our marriage. I completely believe Jesus meant what He said and still stands by this scripture, but because of his love, grace and mercy, He’d rather that we learn the lesson instead – You don’t have to pluck your own eye out, but you do need to stop yourself from looking at things that cause you to think wrong thoughts.

If it’s movies/television/internet – then stop watching that type of movie.  I’m not even necessarily talking about pornography here (although, if it applies, then stop), but movies that have negative themes, unnecessary violence, too much sex or drug use, etc.  Anything that is not uplifting – stop watching it, if it causes you to harbor wrong emotions or desire the wrong things.

If it’s people – if you can’t look at attractive members of the opposite sex without your mind carrying you off away from your real life and marriage, then look the other way.

And the same goes for your ears, if listening to a particular type of music causes you to do things you know you shouldn’t – you don’t have to pierce your own eardrums, but you do need to stop listening.

Whatever it is, you have a choice and a way out to stop yourself from drifting into the wrong realm.  If you can’t stop looking, consider the alternative – would you prefer to have one eye…or worse?

Used with permission:

Image: Danilo Rizzuti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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