Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Mark 9:43, ” If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having two hands, to go to hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched. “

Background

Each July, our nation turns a year older. But I’m not sure how much wiser or safer we are getting in our celebrations. Statistics from just a couple years ago show that fireworks caused almost 18,000 fires in one year and sent more than 11,000 people to the emergency room, with over 4,000 of them suffering head injuries. On average, 400 people each year lose sight in one or both eyes due to fireworks accidents. More fires are reported on July 4th than on any other day of the year, and fireworks account for 40% of those fires. In light of these numbers, it seems a little less remarkable that this year on July 4th, not one but two professional football players were injured by fireworks. Incredibly, they both were not only injured, but they each suffered major damage to their hands, with one man losing two fingers, and the other having to have one finger amputated. I do not know the stories as to how the injuries occurred, but I am fairly certain that the activities were not football related. I do not think they were training or performing football drills. I doubt they were working on intercepting flying bottle rockets or honing their reflexes with firecrackers. One man is a star and the other is a role player, but assuredly neither of them came to the realization that they would be a better player if they had fewer fingers and therefore endeavored to remove one or two on their own.

Application

My body is pretty much intact, still sporting two hands and ten fingers. That might mean that my hands do not cause me to sin. Or it could mean that I don’t take very seriously the results of some of their actions. Your body is as it is. Your heart is, too. You alone know what moves and motivates them, but you may not realize all that is affected by them. You are, as well as those who live and work with you. But God’s kingdom is also. So before it’s time for the scalpel, ask God to set your heart and hands on fire for Him. That is a real cause for celebration.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God for hands that only want to do the will of the Father.