Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Sermon on the Mount

My first attempt at a blog. Here goes!


Do you ever feel like sometimes you get it, and then, other times, you are completely lost? I mean, there are those moments in life when everything is going exactly as we would want it to go, and then there are other instances when something so simple and biting can come along and throw us right on our face.


I was just reading the words of Jesus, a section in the Bible most refer to as the sermon on the Mount... I guess because he was up on a mountain preaching a sermon? Nevertheless, there are some really tricky ideas tangled up in His words. For example, He likens being angry to murdering someone. He also says that if someone looks at a woman lustfully it's the same as committing adultery. He says that it's not a good idea to swear to someone, but simply say yes or no to them. He says if a man hits you in your face, turn so he can hit punch you in the other cheek as well. He even says love the people that hate you. He says to never ever judge people because you will be judged the same. This is only fraction of what is there too...

When I was reading this, I realized that I have probably broken every one of these at some point in my life. I am sure that I have judged someone this week. I know I have gotten angry with someone too. People may say that Jesus didn't say these things to show us we can't ever live up to them... But, I think that is exactly why He said them. It hit me that these things are good things to strive for and all, but a part of why he said all of these things was, in fact, to show us that we, in fact, can't measure up. Even more than that, it shows us how much we need Him in our lives. Reading on in the book of Matthew, we can see Jesus healing so many people of wretched diseases, and He forgives people of their filthiest sins. He puts back together that which was shattered to pieces by humanities destructive ways.


Just thought I would share... It doesn't matter what you have done. Jesus knew you wouldn't measure up, and that's why He gave us His life.

1 comment:

  1. This is very insightful, Tim. I'm quite impressed. I think I needed this today too. I've been feeling the pressures of being the perfect house-wife and mommy a lot lately. And while I hate it when I lose control, it's nice to know that it's okay if I'm not perfect. I'm really proud of you for making whatever changes you had to, to be baptized, and I can't wait to read more of your thoughts :-)
    If there's one thing I've learned from blogging though, it's that writing strengthens the soul. Write, even when you don't feel like it or have nothing to write about. Just start. You'll see what I mean if you do. Good luck!

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