Jesus’ example, before he spoke a word, was attention-grabbing, to say the least. His responses were unlike those of his closest friends. He did what they would never have expected, and failed to do what they would have done in his place. He was constantly drawn to people and places that his guys would have avoided at all costs. When Jesus seemed intent on doing something reckless or dangerous, his band of followers tried to re-direct him, receiving rebukes for their lack of understanding. His inaction also took them by surprise when they could only see immediate action as the best course. Hurry was a complete unknown in his days.
Then, his words, his teachings, his parables, his prayer life. Always rich, frequently mysterious, unwaveringly kind and inviting and accepting. Authentic. What he was yesterday, they could count on him being today. Jesus’ integrated person shined an uncomfortable spotlight on their dis-integration. This, however, without even a trace of condemnation or condescension.
To help the enormous crowd gathered around him, Jesus taught about living an authentic life. He explained it this way: “You don’t get wormy apples off a healthy tree, nor good apples off a diseased tree. The health of the apple tells the health of the tree. You must begin with your own life-giving lives. It’s who you are, not what you say and do, that counts. Your true being brims over into true words and deeds.” Luke 6:45, MSG.
‘Your true being’ (as opposed to false being) manifests itself in ‘true words and deeds.’ The NLT calls this ‘from the treasury of a good heart.’ NLT. Otherwise, a life formerly dis-integrated by sin and now fully re-integrated is the same in attitude and action, in word and deed, in intention and content. Jesus said, ‘I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.’ John 10:10, MSG. Maybe all this is what abundant life is: true, integrated, unwaveringly good – authentic! PD
