Jesus pointed out that the man who was casting out demons was actually rendering service to mankind, in spite of the fact that he was not a member of the group of their immediate followers. This circumstance led Jesus to declare that any service that is rendered in his name will be rewarded, even to the giving of a cup of cold water, little as that may be. By the same token, any disservice we render our fellow man will earn God's disapproval. For a disciple of Christ to be a hindrance to anyone, no matter how insignificant that individual may be, is a sin - so grave a sin that it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. (Mark 9:42)
Having warned his disciples about being a hindrance to others, Jesus spoke about dealing with hindrances in their own lives. Just as it is necessary, at times, for a man to have a hand, or a foot, or an eye amputated to prevent infection from spreading througout the entire body, so it is necessary, always, to get rid of anything on one's heart or mind that prevents complete devotion to God. Anything in the life of a disciple that is unseemly or improper must be eliminated.
How sobering the words of Jesus! It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell... where the worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:45-58). Surely, when someone sins, he earns what sin pays: death (Romans 6:23)
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