Monday, August 11, 2008

Matthew 7-8

Nikke's thoughts



The one verse that sticks out to me is an age old saying that you hear all the time. I wonder if those who say it realize it came directly from Jesus' mouth?
7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

Such a simple phrase yet so hard to follow at times.

Jesus teaches us about the fruit that one bears and that you will know those who are false prophets by their fruit.
So in other words if they are not showing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control they are a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Jesus goes on to say, "not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

I think it will be interesting to see who all is in heaven when I get there. I wonder if there are people I know that I think will go to heaven that will not be there?

Angie

Right and wrong; it is embedded into our being.
Making the simple law "do unto others what you want done unto you" actually be a functioning law.. almost naturally.

Because, obviously, there must be a common denomenator in all of mankind and in our creation that lets us know when something is good and bad. Some say that right and wrong is undefined, while others say that it is a part of human nature.

I say it is a part of our intelligent design. We have a creator and we were made with a purpose. And that purpose is to do the will of our heavenly Father. And since He is pure and He is good and we were made in His image, it is only simple logic to conclude that we are, too, here to do good. And if that was our purpose and what we were created to do, these laws MUST be embedded into our souls, into our very DNA. We cannot escape it.

So, when Jesus says

7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for
this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

we should know that this isn't just a polite suggestion.. this is a demand. It is a calling that is marked in super-permanent sharpie deep within ourselves. I think it's safe to say that this simple Golden Rule, printed on stickers, refridgerator magnets, and bumper stickers.. essentially a cliche that has lost it's ring of knowledge, truth, wisdom, etc. over the centuries, is actually vital to our existence.

I think it's funny how much meaning and wisdom is actually in some cliches, but they're thrown around so much people stop listening to them.


Maybe that's a course of action we should try taking; applying the Golden Rule in different ways so that people will pay attention. And I think that all starts in LIVING the Golden Rule. Being a testament ourselves for it..

I think that would be a great way to be the aroma of Christ. A good place to start anyways...

Alright I think that's about all I have to say for the night. I'm pretty sure I just rambled about a whole lot of nothin' :P Bye everyone :D

and P.S. When Nikke said.. "I think it will be interesting to see who all is in heaven when I get there. I wonder if there are people I know that I think will go to heaven that will not be there?"... I think that is something worth pondering. It's kind of ominous. But completely true, unfortunately..


2 comments:

Chris Hansler said...

Great thoughts. I think the "bite" of this verse for me is to continue to do good to others even when they don't reciprocate your actions. Sometimes I think we do good with the hope that the other will do good back. But if we are following the example of Christ we do good simply because we love people and love God - with no self-serving motivation whatsoever. Then we are not prone to be upset if our actions are not recognized, applauded or returned.

Nikke said...

Yeah I completely agree Chris. We should do good things for others without expecting something in return. The world had taught us if they got you a gift you must get them one and so the cycle continues. (for example)

It still surprises me the things that the Lord teaches me even now =D I am still in training after all these years =D As we all are.

Angie, I loved your blog! You have such a way with words! You captivate me when I read what you write. You truly are an amazing young woman!

*Nikke*