A Look That Kills

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)

We often think that what goes on in the privacy of our mind is our business and doesn’t really affect others. 

But Jesus says that what you think about has a direct impact on your soul and your relationship with God.

In today’s verse, Jesus begins by highlighting the command of the Old Testament: “You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) Many people interpret that to mean “You can look, just don’t touch.” But Jesus goes deeper. He says, “There is a look that kills.” Jesus gets to the heart of the problem of adultery, because the problem of adultery begins in the heart.

The word for “look” in this verse is in the present tense. Jesus is not referring to a glance, but a gaze. It is that continuous look. It goes beyond just admiring an attractive person and instead allowing your mind to remain fixed upon them. Jesus said the problem with lust is not the sight of an attractive person, it is the stare. 

C.S. Lewis said this, “If you look upon ham and eggs and lust you have already committed breakfast in your heart.” John Maxwell put lust perfectly as “any thought that if you actually carried it out would be a sin.”

In other words, adultery can be both physical and mental. It can be both on the inside and the outside. It is not just an action but an attitude. You may think that adultery is only in the touch, but Jesus says that adultery is in the thought.

Jesus' words apply whether you are single or married. Jesus tells you not to look at another person in a way that diminishes your commitment to purity, to holiness–to Him. And be careful not to degrade a person created in the image of God. 

So guard your heart, leaning on God for help. When you are tempted, pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see every person with the utmost dignity and respect.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for getting to the heart of my desires. I know that You can help me hunger and thirst for Your will. Lord, may I treat all people with dignity, created in Your image. And give me grace to guard my heart against lust. I know that no temptation has seized me which is not common to humanity. I also know You, Holy Spirit, will always provide a way out–give me the grace to see it and honor You in my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.