A Boeing 737 Max airplane crashed in Ethiopia killing 157 people. Experts say it was likely caused by a tiny device that did not function as it was designed to. When it failed, the plane took a nose dive and the pilots could not stop it. An uncontrollable airplane is certainly dreadful, but an uncontrollable human heart is even worse. Jesus pointed to the out-of-control human heart as the source of all the wickedness in the world today. We read His words in Matthew Chapter 15, “From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” Then in Matthew Chapter 5, He points to the high standard of behavior that befits His followers, telling us not only is the outward act of adultery sinful, but that the inward craving for sex outside of marriage violates God’s holy law. He tells us to control our anger lest it boils over into violence. Now Jesus knew we humans are incapable of controlling our passions without supernatural help. That’s why He died to pay for our failures, then sends the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. As we submit to Him, He can help us resist the urge to break immoral laws and live Christ-honoring lives even in the world today.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
