"If You Talk the Talk, Then Walk the Walk!"

"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' [39] 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. [40] If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. [41] And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. [42] No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously."

These words come from what we know as “The Sermon On The Mount.” They are the collected sayings of Jesus directed to His followers—from the time they were first stated, until our time, and for all the ages. These words stir within us the challenge to rise above present circumstances and to show the grace that is ours in Christ as a testimony of the living presence of Christ in our lives.

Jesus was challenging us to make a difference. We can continue living like all those around us, and blend in, and simply demand our own way and will all the time at the expense of kingdom love and grace. Or, we can dare to make a difference by living the kingdom principles that we profess to believe.

This is never an easy thing. But it is sometimes a very necessary thing in light of the world in which we live and because of the fact that the eyes of the world are upon us. We can choose only to live like we are Christians when no one is watching us—when it is convenient for us—or we dare to live by the principles we profess all the time—day in and day out, 24/7—and in times when it inconvenient for us.

Jesus’ words to his followers are not “easy street” living. They are words that call upon his followers to be better than those who mistreat them and take advantage of them. They are words that call his followers to live by His example and His teachings—by doing no violence by word, thought, or action. It is so opposite of what we sometimes want to do. But Love’s demands upon us calls for us to reach within us for that Strength that is not our own and allow it to energize us and rule us and win through us.

We are called upon to be followers of Christ in all areas of our life and in every day of our life. That means when times are good and when times are not so good. The question is—will you reflect Christ in your life by living Christ’s example and teaching or will you reflect back the world’s values and thereby not make a difference in the life of those around you and who may be mistreating you?

The world is no friend of the all inclusive, unconditional love of God. And as children of God, we are called upon to be all inclusive and unconditional in that same love as we deal with people in our lives. The challenge is, who will people see when adversity comes—the reflection of God or the reflection of one who can mouth the words but not live the reality?

Just some pastoral musings from my heart to yours!