My Right Hand

   "Your right hand is one of the best things you have, but, says Jesus, if it hinders you in following His precepts, cut it off." (Oswald Chambers)

   So many times I have read the verses in Matthew 5 about the eye or the right hand causing one to sin, or offend God, and read right through them, not stopping to think about why the eye and the right hand are used by Jesus as examples. Chambers' reading today has caused me to stop and think about how I relate to them.

   One of the first things that came to my mind is an example from sharia law, used in some Muslim societies, that gives the cutting off of the hand as a punishment for stealing. Sounds a little barbaric to me, so I just dismiss the whole idea, and say that this is not applicable to me.

   I do almost everything with my right hand, play golf, tennis, write, eat; it is my dominant hand. All the things that I can be proud about, I do with this hand. Without the strength of this hand, I cannot do much of anything that is considered important in today's society.

   The two key things here are "my pride" and "my strength". If they come through things that I can do and take credit for, then I am in trouble and drastic surgery is needed. Far better to trust in God's strength and give Him the credit for anything that I can do, and use my right hand for Him.

  The temporary pain of losing face in the world's eyes is far less than eternal remorse in God's.

   My I realize again the use of personal pronouns in my life, and the attitude toward God that they show.