The concept of the second glance was first introduced by Jesus during his first century teaching simply known as the Sermon on the Mount. Speaking to common citizens with many in attendance the poor and middle class, Jesus gave a brief history of the Ten Commandments. Instead putting his listeners to sleep, Jesus make a shocking revelation. Lusting at someone in your heart as a second glance is equivalent to committing adultery.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart,” Matthew 5:27-28.
Gasps, murmurs and whispers likely echoed throughout this crowd. Meanwhile, a spirit of conviction struck the pure in heart, exposing the guilt of unwholesome stares of their past. Hidden from view, hearts began to acknowledge the truth from Jesus’ statement. Instantaneously, minds connected the dots from appreciating one’s beauty to lustful stares which give birth to fascination and impure thoughts. Although everyone heard the message, it’s likely that only some believed the act of a second glance broke the seventh commandment.
“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell,” Matthew 5:29-30.
Jesus provides the cure to the second glance in the verse above. Quoting from the Old Testament, Jesus urges his audience to purge that which influences you to sin. Indirectly, Jesus is referring to masturbation, pornography and voyeurism. While this advice seems rather harsh, Jesus wants individuals to remove the atmosphere, bad habits, conditions and images that promote sin. For me this spiritual house cleaning took years to completely scourge from my life. If you truly want to purge yourself from the second glance, I highly recommend reading Restoring the Foundations: An Integrated Approach to Healing. This book will help you connect the dots, setting in motion the path to healing. Remain steadfast on your journey toward freedom.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 