The Men of Iron Minute

by Justin Watkins | Chief Generosity Mentor

Lust, Love, and the Line We Shouldn’t Cross

You don’t need to follow Jesus to recognize that cheating on your wife or girlfriend isn’t a healthy staple of relationship. Fidelity is simply a core part of a loving commitment to someone. But what is the line that we shouldn’t cross? Most reasonable people would quickly agree that living with, sleeping with, or dating another woman would certainly cross the line.  

Jesus teaches to what that line is in Matthew 5:27-30. To paraphrase, He says, “Everyone knows the line is sleeping with another woman, but if you even look at a woman with lust who is not your wife, you’ve already crossed the line in your heart.” 

What we crave at the heart level leads our thoughts, words, and actions (cf. James 1:14-15). But Jesus is not simply teaching us a strategy to avoid the extreme results of sin – He calls us to a completely different standard.

When we desire, dwell or want what is not honoring or good, we are crossing the line. 

For those who follow Jesus, the question is not, ‘How close can I get without crossing the line?’ The question is ‘How far away from the line can I live to honor my commitment to the Lord and others around me?’ 

And as we explore the effects of lust on our relationships with such a high standard, I remind you to remain rooted in the Gospel of grace. God is more than aware of your inability to perfectly keep His standard. Shame has no place in His love and only keeps you away from healing. Be honest about your sin but do so with the confidence of His grace that compels you closer to Him (1 John 1:8-10).  

Start today by working backwards from those habits, actions and thoughts that might easily be flagged as “crossing the line.” What are the deeper root causes, triggers and desires of your heart that need to be evaluated and realigned?

Your heart is both the starting point and the finish line.  

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