In 2003, Aron Ralston was rock climbing in Utah. While scaling down a rock face, a boulder became dislodged and pinned his hand against the rock wall. For four days he sat there thinking he was going to die. On the fifth day he cut his own hand off to free his body and walked until he found help, showing that sacrifice was required to survive.
In Matthew 5:27-30, Jesus gives us a similar picture when he warns us that the sin of adultery is more than an act, it begins in the mind as lust. And in order to battle sin, sacrifice will be required. Jesus is not calling us to literally maim ourselves, but we will need to be deliberate on the things we cut out so that we can pursue holiness and intimacy with God.
