For some, it’s like climbing Mt. Everest. For others, like attempting to win the Iron Man Competition. For still others, it’s like an extended Lenten period, fasting their favorite food. For all of us, it’s a challenge of some consequence. It requires paying attention to what we’re paying attention to. It means developing a holy indifference, meaning seeking to be content whatever it requires of us, whatever the outcome. The ‘it’ here is adhering to Jesus’ blunt teaching (Matthew 5:38-48) from now until the (US) election. Below is how his teaching reads in the MESSAGE version for your reading pleasure:
“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 (Democrats and Republicans).* 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.”
I’m thinking we could discover newer and richer depths of God’s love and mercy as we commit ourselves to the rigors of this in-your-face exhortation from Jesus himself. “As we grow up into more of Christ in all things, the Word of God will become richer and more delightful to our hearts. It will speak to us out of our relationship with Christ, for intimacy is always where revelation begins to come into our spirit.” (TPT, the introduction to the Book of Revelation)
*a PD insert for clarity
