Daily Worship

Walking the Walk

July 26, 2012 0 0

Matthew 5:13-16, 5:42-48

Matthew 5:13-16 Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:42-48 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. "In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."

Dear Lord Jesus you teach us to love our neighbours to treat others as we'd like to be treated to walk that extra mile. Challenging, wonderful! My heart lifts with the nobility of your words and the humility of how you acted. Until I stop and really consider what they mean. And then the challenge feels too much the discipleship too hard the scale of need too overwhelming and I wonder how I can respond and whether my heart and spirit are too weak and my selfishness too strong. And then I remember that with you, all things are possible. That though I can't do everything I can do something. That there are some things I can do myself and for the rest, I can depend on you. That you can take my little, if offered in love and by your grace make it much. Jesus, thank you for the difference you are making in me and so many others bringing hope, healing, help encouragement, purpose, love. Teach me these things, too - to see the need to hear the call and to reach out in your name. Please forgive the times I fail ...or don't even bother. Teach me to be the salt and the light fit for use in your service and for your glory. Amen Ginni Auld