It seems drastic for Jesus to take away something that is inherently good in order to prevent sin. While Jesus cares about our physical, mental, and emotional needs, his priorities here seem to be directed towards our spiritual needs, our souls, and our eternal well-being.

For a long time, an unhealthy attitude that kept me from living my best life was perfectionism. I felt that I needed to excel in many aspects of my life: academics, exercise, diet regimen, and even my spiritual life. However, within the past year, I was diagnosed with a chronic illness, which encouraged me to step away from my perfectionist attitude.

There are many enjoyable activities that I was forced to limit or suspend, because they were too physically or mentally demanding for me such as long runs around town, staying up late to finish work, and intense piano practice sessions. If I’m honest with myself though, these good things often became temptations or occasions for sin; instead of seeking God in them, I sought control and perfection for my own sake. I think of St. Paul’s words here: “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Cor. 6:12). I may have lost a portion of my physical and mental abilities, but I gained others that helped me to grow in holiness: the ability to be still, to learn about the disabilities of others, and to ask for help.

If we can recognize the good in the challenges of our lives, maybe we don’t need to be so extreme and completely cut out the things in our lives that are hindering us. Perhaps God is calling us to transform the relationships, activities, habits, or attitudes so that they lead us to greater holiness.