If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. -Matthew 5:29, 30
Consider the figurative language the Lord Jesus used when referring to the need to rid ourselves of that which hinders or offends. The Lord said to cut it off, right? We often think of this in terms of the big ones, drugs and alcohol. And yes those vices have wrecked and continue to wreck countless lives. However, it isn’t limited to that, but can be things far more subtle. What about an attitude? If we have attitudes that hinder our walk with Christ, our Christian witness, and our spiritual growth, then we do well to get rid of it. What are some attitudes that can hinder us and need to be cut off from us?
Negativity and cynicism. These attitudes can cause terrible problems in our lives. Now, how is it that some folks are just more positive and optimistic than others? For some it’s a gift. God has given them the ability to be upbeat and positive in the midst of difficult circumstances. The rest of us have to work at it. But remember that even the person who is naturally positive has to work to maintain such an attitude. When we are negative we will shoot down our own ideas before we ever give them a chance, and we might find ourselves doing the same to others. Negativity says, “I can’t” which leads to either, “I quit,” or “I won’t even try.” A positive outlook says, “I will try, I think I can, and this might work.” You can certainly see the difference. Try to go one day without making any negative or destructive comments. Try that and you will find it works like a cleansing sort of process. A purely biblical concept is to only say that which builds up, inspires, and encourages the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:29 says:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Bitterness and hatred.* Both of these are attitudes that can be changed. If we find ourselves growing bitter we can take steps to change our attitude and outlook. Bitterness, when not brought under control, can eventually become hatred. These run contrary to the work of the Holy Spirit which seeks to fill the heart with the love of Jesus. I cannot love others the way Christ commands if my heart is filled with hatred. This is one of those undesirable elements which according to Jesus needs to be cut off and cast away from us. The Bible says that bitterness can grow and take root in the human heart:
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root
grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Hebrews 12:15)
The challenge for us as followers of Christ is to cut bitterness off at the root. Here are some ways to overcome bitterness:
- Seek a more positive outlook. Begin the process with prayer.
- See others the way in which Jesus sees them. Are they hopeless, or is there hope in Jesus? (There is always hope in Jesus Christ)
- Expand personal horizons. Try a hobby you’ve always wanted to take up, go somewhere you have always wanted to go, or simply do something just for you once in a while.
- Treat yourself once in a while – stop at your favorite coffee shop and have a gourmet coffee and huge blueberry muffin (fat free of course).
- Develop the habit of kindness to everyone – even strangers.
- Smile more often.
