Jesus was certainly Light to a dark world. Just like we mentioned yesterday, He lived many areas of His life in opposition to what the world says to do. And we are to do likewise. Mediocre is not enough in the Kingdom of Heaven! Why do we let ourselves be okay with a "C" when we should be striving for an "A+"? My friends, we need to daily "press on toward the goal", as Paul says! How often do we measure our "success" by another sinner? This is what Jesus is trying to tell us here: don't compare yourselves to the other people around you, but compare yourself with My standard.
There are six specific areas that Jesus addresses as we wrap up Chapter 5, and each of them has a contrasting statement, "You have heard...but I tell you..." These are examples of what it means to live not solely in opposition to the world, but to go above and beyond -- to live exceptionally for the sake of Christ. This is the call for ALL of us -- not just people who've been Christians a long time, but for all who want to follow and serve Him. I think these are the perfect examples of when God says in Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts; neither are my ways your ways," He really means it.
I highly recommend that you pull this section of scripture up on your phone or computer right now so you can read all the details for yourselves and soak in Jesus' words. Here is what you will find Him saying:
On the subject of murder: It's not enough to just avoid killing people, we must also avoid anger and hatred -- because that is the same as killing them in your heart. Reconcile with one another.
On the subject of adultery: It's not enough to avoid having sex with someone who's not your spouse, we must also keep our hearts from lusting and daily work to remain faithful -- whatever it takes!
On the subject of divorce: It's not enough to stay legally married, we must also live out our marriage commitments by working to solve conflicts with our spouse. God is in the business of restoring that which is broken.
On the subject of oaths: It's not enough to keep an oath, we must also avoid casual and dishonest promises to God and people. If you say you're going to pray for someone, do it!
On the subject of revenge: It's not enough to seek justice for ourselves, because God is just and will fight for us. We must show mercy and love for others, including those who have wronged us. (Whew, that's hard to hear.)
On the subject of loving others: It's not enough to love the people who are easy to love, we must also love and pray for our enemies. By praying that they might come to know and love Christ, we can "cast our cares on Him knowing that He cares for us," and remove the focus from ourselves and our problems!
These are six ways to think like Christ, as told by Jesus Himself. In fact, He means these and all the other commandments so much, that just before He began this list, He said in 5:19, "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
We cannot be blase about what we are commanded to do. We cannot see the ways the world lives and be okay with living that way for ourselves. We must "be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). This is our life-long calling.
Lord, I know I'm not perfect, but help me to just keep stepping one step closer toward You every day.
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