But I tell you . . .

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment . . .

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart . . .”

Matthew 5:21–22, 27-28

On the heels of last week’s devotion when Jesus told us our righteousness must exceed the righteousness of those pesky Pharisees (Matthew 5:20), He immediately provides a few examples. Each one begins with, “You have heard that it was said . . .” and ends with, “But I tell you . . .” Is He overturning what was said? Do His words lower the bar of righteousness?  Absolutely not! He raises it.

Before someone is shot, there is likely a fit of rage. Before there is a fit of rage, there is anger. Clearly, anger is at the core. Jesus says, “Get anger under control, and the murder rate goes down.” Before the physical act of adultery occurs, there is a lustful glance in the breakroom or a flirtatious look at the dinner party. Jesus says, “Keep your eyes to yourself, and the odds of committing adultery decrease.”

Legalists are masters at technicalities. Are you? A legalist would say, “The prohibition against murder (Exodus 20:13) is a prohibition against, Webster says, ‘unlawfully and unjustifiably killing a person.’ I didn’t do that.” Jesus would say, “C’mon man. Every word that comes out of your mouth is hateful, angry vitriol. You’re committing murder in your heart.”

Jesus takes it beyond the external actions forbidden by the biblical code and addresses the heart attitudes that lie underneath the actions. His challenge, for me and you, is that we would look in the mirror, see ourselves, and examine our motives. That we would search our hearts. He does (Psalm 139:23-24).

Authentic righteousness is not merely about avoiding the outward sin in our lives but about cultivating a heart that reflects the very character of the One we profess to follow. True righteousness acknowledges that unresolved anger wrecks relationships. True righteousness understands that purity of mind and intention in every area of our lives is critical to our walk and witness. Holiness matters (1 Peter 1:14–16).

If you claim the Name above all names, you are called to a radical transformation of the heart and a radical renewal of the mind.  Should you repent and strive to put outward sin aside? Of course! But, it is not enough to simply refrain from the visible sin in our lives; we must allow God to transform our hearts and minds, conforming them to His will. It begins with acknowledging and owning our sinful tendencies, handing them over to God, and allowing His grace to take over.

Lord, I know You are holy and I'm asking You today to help me be holy. Reveal all the areas in my life where anger or lust or any other sinful attitudes live. Lord, wipe all those areas clean and replace them with Your righteousness. Help me to keep my mind and heart focused on You and Your Word. Keep me pure and undefiled. Let Your Holy Spirit change me from the inside out. Jesus, allow me to understand the sinfulness of trying to sneak through on a technicality. Give me Your heart. In the sin-covering name of Jesus, Amen.