11/16/2021 – The Sunday School Nightmare
To say that little Billy was a handful would be an understatement, little Billy was perhaps the most misbehaved child in this Sunday School’s history. The scene takes place in a small church, a rural town in mid-western America, where children were known to love Sunday School, played nice with other children and respect their elders, but not little Billy. Little Billy constantly interrupted the Sunday School teacher, bully the other children, made messes with the art supplies, it seemed he was not able to sit still for 5 seconds, before getting into the next mishap. One day a Sunday School teacher sternly warned little Billy, “we won’t start the class until you sit down, if you don’t sit down, I will make you sit down”. There was a momentary standoff between Billy and the teacher, but to Billy surprise the teacher in one single motion grabbed Billy and sat him down. Billy was caught off guard, it took a moment for him to realize what had just happened, the classroom was filled with the other children laughing and clapping at Billy’s lockdown, this made Billy feel embarrassed. Little Billy regained some composure as to not to give the room the pleasure of his defeat, he looked at his classmates then at the Sunday School teacher and replied, “I maybe sitting down, but in my heart, I’m still standing up”.
I want you to analyze little Billy’s defiant responses, in this example he has been forcefully made to sit down and behave. Although he has no choice but to comply to the request, we see inside little Billy’s heart, he still sees himself misbehaving, making a mess and disruptive, as if he was doing it like before. So, as you consider little Billy’s situation, consider this question, “is little Billy still misbehaving in spite of the fact he is sitting down?”
According to Jesus the answer is “Yes”, little Billy is still misbehaving even though he is sitting down. How could this be, you may ask, according to Jesus, its in his heart.
Matthew 5-21-22 – Committing murder in the heart
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
Matthew 5-21-22 – Committing adultery in the heart
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’[e] 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Jesus raises those uncontrolled fits of anger towards someone, at the same level as if you physically murder that person, making you a literal murderer. Jesus also raises those uncontrolled lustful thoughts, at the same level as if you physically had sex with that person, making you a literal adulterer. In other words, even though the physical deed was not done, your heart is guilty of committing the action.
Think on this verse for help today. Roman 12:2
“2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”