"If thy hand offend thee, cut it off"

One of the blessings that come from studying scriptures, is the enlightenment and learning that happens.  When we come across something, even though we have read it before, it means something more this time around.  These enlightenments bring us to a place of understanding and hopefully to a place where we are willing to change and do something about what it is we are being taught.

Mark 9:4-48 JST, 
"40 Therefore, if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; or if thy brother offend thee and confess not and forsake not, he shall be cut off. It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands, to go into hell.41 For it is better for thee to enter into life without thy brother, than for thee and thy brother to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.42 And again, if thy foot offend thee, cut it off; for he that is thy standard, by whom thou walkest, if he become a transgressor, he shall be cut off.43 It is better for thee, to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell; into the fire that never shall be quenched.44 Therefore, let every man stand or fall, by himself, and not for another; or not trusting another.45 Seek unto my Father, and it shall be done in that very moment what ye shall ask, if ye ask in faith, believing that ye shall receive. 46 And if thine eye which seeth for thee, him that is appointed to watch over thee to show thee light, become a transgressor and offend thee, pluck him out.47 It is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God, with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
48 For it is better that thyself should be saved, than to be cast into hell with thy brother, where their worm dieth not, and where the fire is not quenched."

After reading and studying these scriptures I am more aware and want to keep an eye out for those things I need to dismiss in my life so I am not offending God. In the November 2007 Ensign it teaches, "...such cutting off refers not only to friends but to every bad influence, such as inappropriate television shows, Internet sites, movies, literature, games, or music." I feel grateful that the Holy Ghost has influenced me at certain times with when and how I need to dismiss something from my life.  It has usually been in the form of movies and tv shows.  I am sure there are plenty of other things that I will be made aware of that I will need to "cut off"  as time goes on.  Again, I am thankful that Heavenly Father works with us line upon line, little by little.