“Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: but without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account…” Philemon 1:8-18 (KJB)
profitable
Jesus Speaks – Christmas Day One Hundred Eighty and Five
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Matthew 5:27-30 (KJV)
Lust is a powerful, sinful influence on humanity; and it is a sin against God, and against the human race. The greater message of Jesus is the seriousness of sin. How serious is this matter of sin, and in this case “Lust”? Jesus says to pluck out, or cut off the offending part.
What do I want for Christmas?
Knowing that plucking out my eyes, or closing them even as a woman passes by will not take away the lust, and that cutting off my hand will not keep me from sinning I want the Spirit of Christ in me to direct my heart, my thoughts always to Him; and for Him to purify my heart and my thoughts for His power and glory; I want to make the covenant with my eyes like Job…
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” Job 31:1
Job is of course, meaning with lustful thinking.
The Fire and Hammer 