Fickle? Or just Foolish?

 

READ Matthew 5–8

The world values people who are strong, happy, stand up for themselves, give others what they deserve, are not so perfect to be a total threat, and are popular with everyone. God’s value system is somewhat different. He says,

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3–12)

While this list is often extolled, when it comes down to it, people who fill that description get crucified. No one really likes total goodness. It mocks us without saying a word, shows us up for what we really are — creatures who are sinful and selfish without Christ.

He calls such a condition “salt that has lost its taste” and is “no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” even though those who are salty are often treated with less regard! No wonder Jesus later said:

But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ (Matthew 11:16–19)

We all know people who complain about everything. One woman complained when they went out that they never stayed home, and when they stayed home that they never went out. The problem was not their social calendar or lack of it; the problem was discontent, never being satisfied, plus being self-centered and thinking that someone, even God, should satisfy all desires.

Jesus goes on to explain the will of God concerning common human issues like anger, lust, broken relationships, oaths, retaliation, enemies, and needy people. He tells His disciples how to pray without hypocrisy, another human problem.

He does not stay long on those deadly negatives, following them with instructions about fasting and eternal values, then explains why no one needs to worry about daily needs, “For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:32–33)

How amazing that Jesus promises all the necessities of life, the things most people are anxious about, yet so many would rather say no to that and run their own lives, often complaining about the problems of gaining life’s necessities. Anything but let this man who is God rule over them.

Jesus has much to say about relationships too. We are not to judge others as if we don’t have problems ourselves, often the same problems they have! He says to ask for what we need so we can live like He does and treat others the way He treats us. He also says that living His way puts our lives in a solid place, safe from the erosions of life because of listening to Him and doing life His way.

Jesus proved His power and identity by cleansing lepers, healing the sick, calming stormy weather, and casting demons out of those possessed. And how did people react? Some marveled, some made excuses to walk away, and some “begged him to leave” town — all with the attitude that as amazing as Jesus is, ruling our own lives is better.

Lord, seeing myself in all this makes me feel like an idiot for all the times I ignore You and don’t listen. Knowing You love me and died for my sin, that You forgive all unreliability and forgetfulness and pour out abundant blessings is all the more incredible. I’ve no words large enough to express my gratitude and praise Your name.