Rich Dixon, Author/Speaker
www.relentlessgrace.com
I recently encountered an interesting question: “Do you really believe what you believe?”
”But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:27-31
When I read those familiar words, I encounter another, more troubling question: Was Jesus serious?
Ghandi said, “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.” If I follow Jesus’ instructions, won’t I end up naked and poor with stinging cheeks? How can I earn a living and support my family in a competitive market economy if I allow others to take advantage of me?
Does Jesus seriously expect me to follow His impractical advice in our every-person-for-himself culture?
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6: 46-49
Apparently He meant exactly what He said. His words are the unshakable foundation on which He wants us to build our lives. Without this solid base we’ll collapse in the inevitable storms.
I don’t know five easy steps to following this difficult instruction that appears to contradict everything that makes our culture function. If a thief steals my property, I want him punished. I don’t want others to see me without my clothes. When someone hits me, I want to block the next attack and then retaliate.
We understand that Jesus’ wisdom is the enemy’s foolishness, but we live in the enemy’s world for now. It’s hard to ignore Satan’s rules, but that’s precisely what Jesus commands. The enemy wants slaves—Jesus wants to set us free.
I do think Jesus was serious, and I do believe what I believe. I also know that I’m glad God’s spirit lives within me and partners with me to accomplish what’s impossible by myself.
I don’t want my life to fall apart in the storm, but I need a lot of help to learn to accept stinging cheeks.
