Do It For Them

It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do.  But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.

Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.”  He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.

Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get. Matthew 7:12

Today’s passage is commonly known as the Golden Rule. This the the foundation of active goodness and mercy – the kind of love God shows to us every day. We all know how we would like to be treated and in our human tendencies we often hold back treating others that same way, especially when the kindness is not reciprocated.

But Jesus has called us to life differently. To show kindness, love, mercy and grace even when we don’t receive them. The mystery in this calling is that when obey and treat others as we would like to be treated, we experience God’s peace and love. His response is far greater than any we might receive from other people.

The joy that comes from obeying God is priceless. The peace surpasses understanding. The blessings are countless and the best reward is that our relationship with God becomes more intimate.

Think about the example Jesus set for us. He gave His life for us. He paid the penalty that we deserved all so that we could have a restored relationship with our Father in Heaven. He gave everything for us in love. Do we reciprocate that love? Do we offer all we have and all we are for Him? Are we doing unto others what has been done for us – loving unconditionally and without abandon in the hope that relationships with God can be restored? Jesus did that for us so that we could do that for them.