April 21, 2016
“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.” Matt. 5:38-42
If you follow Jesus long enough, He will turn your world upside down. Old habits and assumed values will be sorted out .. tossed out .. and left out. What’s more unfair is that everybody doesn’t play by the same rules at the same time … even some of your friends. But Jesus has called you into a faith life that is “this world” and “His world”. If you take your eyes off of Him, you’ll be tempted to play by the old rules. You’ll even find yourself trying to make this old broken down world fit into your kingdom world. It won’t fit and Jesus knows that. Still, He is drawing out all the world-stained areas of your heart and replacing them with His words for living life. His words .. His life .. His way. He will turn your world upside down and inside out. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on this Jesus-way-of-life, He will walk you through a moment that doesn’t fit your plans or stretches your well-fitting faith beyond your imagination. Jesus will indeed challenge the way you think .. the way you’ve been taught .. and the way you have been restored to live. Living generously is the life you’ve been given in Christ. You won’t get there overnight ..but .. it is the only life He has given you .. a generous one. It only takes a moment …
“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.” Matt. 5:48 MSG
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to men and women learning to love the life that Christ is living in them. (kchesterp1@gmail.com)
