Today’s scripture: Mark 9:42-50 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Julie Benson):
The law of cause and effect is widely known throughout science as the law of life. Every action has a reaction; every stimulus has a response:
Stimulus: Drop a ball
Response: It hits the ground
Stimulus: Beat on a drum
Response: It makes noise
Stimulus: Place your hand on a hot stove
Response: You get burned
Or maybe it helps if the example is more personal:
Stimulus: You eat a double whopper, large order of fries, and a shake everyday for lunch
Response: You’ll have a new wardrobe by the end of the year
There is one unique exception to this law. Because humankind has been born with a mind, we are capable of making choices and decisions. There is a gap in time where we can determine the response to a situation. All we have to do is use our mind and change how we think!
Stimulus: A driver cuts you off in traffic.
Gap: Flip him the bird or grant him clemency.
Stimulus: It’s the first beautiful day of spring.
Gap: Call in sick to work then hit the golf course or follow through with work obligations.
Stimulus: Your spouse lashes out at you as soon as s/he walks through the door.
Gap: Fire back with anger and criticism or de-escalate the situation by getting to the root of the issue.
Stimulus: It is your Sunday to serve on the communion team.
Gap: Respond by thinking: “Today I have to pray” or “Today I get pray.”
I believe we can apply this formula to the lesson that Jesus was emphasizing in this scripture passage. Can you hear Him now? Tie a big rock around your neck and throw yourself into the sea! Cut off your hand! Chop off your foot! Pluck out your eye! What a gruesome concept!
I don’t think Jesus is commanding us to literally dismember our bodies. Instead, these words show how passionate He is to convey the serious nature of our selfish or sinful behavior. Instead of being numb to the choices we make, I believe Jesus wants us to perform some radical spiritual surgery. We should make a conscious effort to act with integrity by paying more attention to how we respond to the stimuli that surrounds us. Romans 12:2 echoes this sentiment and encourages us to discipline our minds: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Perhaps if Jesus used this formula to spell out His teaching, it might look a little like this:
Cut off your arm… if you have an inclination to steal:
Stimulus: An easy target — that ream of paper in the copy room — would be an easy money-saver you can use at home.
Gap: Take it or leave it.
Response on the righteous path: Leave the paper in the copy room.
Chop off your foot… if you run away from responsibility:
Stimulus: Your aging parents are reaching the point in their lives when they need regular assistance and care.
Gap: Weigh the options such as living with you, assisted living, and in-home-care or avoid the emotional distress altogether and let your siblings handle the decision.
Response on the righteous path: Work together with the family to select the best option of care.
Pluck out your eye… if you are addicted to pornography:
Stimulus: You log onto the internet to check email when your favorites list of XXX rated sites opens up.
Gap: Log onto these pornographic web pages or avoid viewing them.
Response on the righteous path: Delete the temptations from your favorites list forever.
Thought for the day: The mind is powerful! Learn to use it to make choices and decisions that uplift your soul!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.