The Life We're Called To

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." (Luk 6:27-38 ESV)

After showing us the woeful condition of those who seek satisfaction in worldly pursuits Christ shows us the condition of those who walk after God. Rather than what the world considers good and proper, it is actually quite the opposite. God’s way is so diametrically opposed to the world’s way that it seems absurd when we see it with our natural eyes. As a matter of fact, without having God’s Spirit within us, we can’t even comprehend His way.

Looking at my own walk with Christ, I see that even with the Holy Spirit I still fall short of the life that God calls me to. When we look at this passage and consider the way we are called to live, we should be convicted of our need for continued growth in Christ. Loving our enemies, blessing those who curse us, giving to all who ask…this is the lifestyle of a child of God.

And consider the reason that we are called to such a standard of living…not as some arbitrary rule of conduct, but as a reflection of the very character of God.

I pray that as this passage has convicted me, it will also convict you. That we will all run to Christ for the grace needed to live such a godly life. That we would not be satisfied with being like everyone else at our church, but we would strive to be what God calls us to be.

May God lead us into a closer walk with Him as we strive to be conformed to His Word by the power of His Spirit.