extreme amputation

Matthew 5:27-30

Jesus continues with his formula: "You have heard that it was said... but I tell you..." This time he takes issues with the traditional interpretation of adultery. Rather than the letter of the Law - don't sleep with a woman who is not your wife - which interprets the Law at a physical level, Jesus uncovers the spirit of the Law - treat all human beings with the dignity, honour and respect that they deserve as beings created in the image of God and reflect God's character of purity and holiness in your interactions with other humans. Anything else is lust and lust breaks the spirit of the Law in regards to adultery. 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 speaks to this definition of lust. Paul tells the church to control their bodies in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust. This reinforces what Jesus is saying here: lust = sexual desire - holiness + honour. As soon as I dishonour somoene or disregard the character of God in the way that I relate to others I have committed lust (therefore we can have lust for power, possessions, etc. as well as sex).
Jesus' remedy is pretty extreme: cut off your right hand or pluck out your right eye if they are the member of your body causing you offense. I don't think Jesus is advocating mutilation of the body (which would be the plain meaning of what he says) but he is advocating that his audience take drastic action to avoid lust and avoid breaking this Law. The extreme action that Jesus advocates is nothing compared to the extreme result of giving in to lust which is hell. This shows me the seriousness with which Jesus, the Father and the Spirit take my interactions with other humans. If they are not full of honour for the person and full of regard for the character of God then I am in danger of hell.
According to Jesus' interpretation of the Law so far, I am an adulterous murderer who is danger of hell. I think the point that Jesus is trying to make is that even though the Pharisees, most of Jesus audience and I have not physically committed adultery or murder that we still fall short of the standard of the Law (which is a reflection of the holiness and purity of God). I think that's Paul's point in Romans, especially in chapter 3. Jesus' thesis for this section is in v. 20: "Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." My only hope for that kind of righteousness is that somehow the righteousness of Jesus would cover me.
Finally, I am convicted by my lazy attitude toward sin. Jesus calls me to take radical action to avoid it and I have been very lazy in my approach. Am I willing to suffer some pain in the short term for gain in the long term? My life would say no. I pray that Jesus would help me desire holiness and honour above comfort and ease.