“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.” (Mt 5: 27-29)
This is so simple, even if it isn’t easy. If somebody or something is dragging you down (a certain person, or food, or internet-activity, or whatever), perhaps because you’ve developed an unhealthy attachment or even obsession with them/it, then 1. stop looking at them/it, and 2. Distance yourself physically from them/it. This might take some uncomfortable re-arranging of one’s daily schedule, in order to break the sinful routine and avoid the places/situations one may have sought out previously, but “it is better” than continuing down that unhealthy path.
So let me be careful, with regard to my eyes, because I can be. I can make healthy choices today, as to what I choose to look at, and what I choose to avoid. Lord, help me to “pluck out” and “throw away” any unhealthy attachments, if they arise, so that they don’t drag me down and away from You.
