Matthew 5:27–28
Are you living your life according to God’s law? In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us the true meaning of the commandments and how to apply them in our daily lives. In this devotional, we will delve into the depth of the seventh commandment and explore what it truly means to avoid adultery.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” (Matthew 5:27–28 NASB).
The Bible offers a comprehensive doctrine on marriage that spans throughout its pages. From the very beginning of creation, God has ordained marriage as a sacred institution. Sexual intimacy is reserved exclusively for the union of one man and one woman within the bounds of marriage. It is important to note that marriage between a believer and non-believer is not condoned by God.
Additionally, while marriage is a beautiful and desirable union, it is not a requirement imposed by God but rather a voluntary commitment entered into by two individuals. These teachings were established long before the birth of Jesus and serve to safeguard the sanctity of the divine institution of marriage.
The scribes and Pharisees had a narrow interpretation of the seventh commandment, reducing it to solely the physical act of adultery. However, this interpretation falls far short of the true intent of God’s law.
Jesus emphasizes that the emphasis should not be placed on the word “commit,” but rather on the deeper meaning behind it. He explains that the commandment encompasses not just the physical act, but also the desires of the heart. Even the act of lusting, though it may never be acted upon, is considered adultery in God’s eyes.
The breaking of commandments begins in the thoughts and emotions of an individual. It is important to note that sexual desire itself is not inherently wrong, as it is a gift from God intended for the union of one man and one woman within the bounds of marriage. What is wrong is using this desire to satisfy our own pleasure outside of the sanctity of marriage.
This is a sobering teaching from our Savior, but one that is of paramount importance in today’s world where access to pornography is so easily available to all. This unprecedented access leads to a proliferation of polluted thoughts and desires.
However, let us take comfort in the fact that throughout history, no one has been able to fully keep this commandment to the satisfaction of our all-knowing God. Let us turn to Jesus in repentance and seek his guidance in purifying our hearts and minds, to live in accordance with His teachings.
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