Working God's words into my life

Kristina reminds us of this Simple Guide for Behavior:
"Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor."

Jesus wraps this section of chapter 7 up with this rule of thumb, which we now refer to as the Golden Rule, "Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them."

All of the law and prophets adds up to this?!? Christ makes it seem really simple. We make it so complicated.

The last heading of this amazing sermon is Being and Doing. I have always struggled with this balance in life. I've read the books about how to achieve success and happiness in your spare time, but I keep going back to this book, the Bible, every morning, because I know that this "way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention."

What would happen if we yoked together, like the disciples did after the resurrection and ascension, and lived this life of faith out in the world, our worlds? Isn't that the point of the church? There is strength (and power made perfect in weakness) in numbers.

That's why I want more and more people in Bible study with us, "These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach."

The storms come irregardless. Will we have the strength to handle them, personally and communally? As Paul writes, "Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us." Jesus says, "Look for character in your leaders."

Heidi and I watched the first half of a 3 hour movie about Gandhi last night. His character was unbelievable. He refuses to obey unjust laws and pays dearly for it. He reminds me a lot of Jesus, who had impeccable character. That's why these mountain climbers hung on his every word.

"What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills."

The sermon is over. Now let's live it out...through the church and in the world!