Get rid of it! I have heard this one too many times as a child. It always had to do with something that got me in trouble. Why is it when we are young trouble seems to find us and stick with us. The problem is if you don’t get rid of it, it will get you.
In this passage there is a lot of strong language Jesus uses. We often don’t like to take such a passage seriously. We try to down play what he is saying and the consequences he is referring to. We do this because there are things that we like that we are unwillingly to get rid of. It is like the kid who clinches onto a toy that is not theirs and will not let it go.
Let me ask you, what do you need to get rid of? What are the things in your life that cause you to sin: greed, dissension, lust, anger, pride, the love of wealth or the need to control? Here is what Jesus is saying, if anything pulls you away from God, GET RID OF IT!
Just remember, when we give over something to God, He always replaces it with something better.
