Jesus teaches about Living Differently
You are young, but don’t let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life. – 1 Timothy 4:12
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. Some of His instructions included:
- Viewing our anger in the same way we view murder
- Understanding that when we look at others with lustful thoughts we have already committed adultery in our minds
- Loving our enemies and doing good to those who use and persecute us
- Forgive others and we will be forgiven
- Not judging others or we will be judged
- Going the extra mile
- Returning good for evil
Following Jesus’ way of life is the only way to experience the peace, joy and freedom that comes from a life fully devoted to God. His message was not only about living differently, but also about the rewards that will come from living an obedient life that honors God. Yes, this lifestyle is radically different, but it is eternally rewarding.
