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MATTHEW 18 – CUT IT OFF

“Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.” (Matthew 18:8)

This controversial Bible verse by no means is instructing someone with a vice that relates to their hands or feet to cut it off. Instead, it is speaking figuratively; if something in your life is contaminating or destroying you, it is better to cut it out of your existence rather than accommodate it to your self-destruction.

With our technological age, the internet has sadly become the medium of so many destructive vices. There is a multi-facet of online social media platforms with our peers glued to media channels consuming every waking minute of people’s time.

There is soft porn easily accessible to our youths, destroying their innocence and ravaging their souls with false expectations and a thwarted understanding of what love is.  In many cases, these addictions break up families and destroy their personal lives.

CHALLENGE

Are you under the weight of an addiction that is destroying you? My friend, cut it out of your life. Take whatever it is and cut it out of your life. Sometimes in life, the answer is to end these controlling things, cold Turkey.

Ask God to give you the strength to cut it out of your heart and replace it with obedience, His love, and God’s eternal blessing.

[Logan Krape]

When I think of this verse from Matthew, I think about my early years of high school when I felt very lukewarm in my faith. I did not surround myself with the right people and found myself in situations and places I didn’t want to be in. As I began to grow closer to God, I prayed that he would do what’s best for me. Very soon after, he answered my prayers and cut a lot of friends that I had grown up with out of my life to help me become a better person. Although at the time it left me with very few friends and made me feel almost lost, I knew he had a plan. He ended up surrounding me with some amazing people who were passionate about the Lord, and I knew he put them in my life to help me become a better son, student, athlete, and follower of Christ. This verse is one I often reflect on to see if there is anything in my life that I need to change to help make me better, and I plan to continue to reflect on this verse as I continue to grow.

[Eugene Estes]

Matthew 18’s message is a powerful and grave warning about the risks of letting negative influences continue to exist in one’s life. The advice to “cut it off” is not intended to be taken literally, but it does highlight how urgent and crucial it is to get rid of anything that could cause spiritual harm. It emphasizes how, if left unchecked, some habits, influences, or behaviors can gradually harm a person’s character, faith, and general well-being.
Many of these negative impacts are readily available in modern society, particularly thanks to technology. Despite its benefits, social media and the internet can expose people to content that encourages harmful lifestyles and bad habits. Although these influences might initially appear innocuous, they can eventually result in addiction, skewed thinking, and a lack of self-control. Relationships, personal development, and spiritual life may be impacted when such behaviors become rooted.
The task necessitates sincere contemplation. It inquires as to whether there are aspects of one’s life that are subtly harmful. The first step in making a change is recognizing these influences. But acknowledgment on its own is insufficient. Deliberate action must come after it. Discipline, effort, and perseverance may be necessary to break bad behaviors. In specific situations, it could entail avoiding situations or activities that lead to bad behavior.
In this process, seeking God’s strength is crucial. People may encounter difficulties when undergoing change. One can progressively change negative patterns with constructive and purposeful ones via prayer guidance and dedication. Growth, healing, and a fresh sense of purpose result from this.
In summary, the challenge empowers people to take charge of their lives by eliminating harmful things. By doing this, they safeguard their health, fortify their moral fiber, and progress toward a life that embodies self-control, purpose, and spiritual development.

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