3 more things to do
Sermon on the Mount (15) 3 More Things to Do
(Matthew 5:38-42)
1. Take More Responsibility
The law of the Old Testament times said to pay for an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but Jesus said that if you slap your right cheek, turn your left side as well, and if you want to take your underwear, you must also give it to you (verses 38-40). Why did Jesus speak contrary to the Old Testament? The law of Exodus, which says, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth!” and the words of Jesus in the text can be applied differently to the recipient of the Word. The words of the law of Exodus apply when you become a perpetrator, and Jesus' words of love apply when you become a victim.
Ordinary people use the Gospel of Matthew to ask for forgiveness when they cause harm, and when they do harm, they claim the other person's responsibility by using the book of Exodus. The problem is that there are so many people in charge and few people in charge. The other day, the Catholic Church held a campaign under the slogan “It’s my fault!” and a church campaigned under the slogan “It’s your fault!” If you put the blame on me and the virtue on you like that, even in a difficult world, you can live as it is.
Jonah said after a lot was cast in the boat that was hit by a storm. “Pick me up and throw me into the sea! Then the sea will be calm! I think it is my fault that I met this great storm (Jon 1:12).” It is a great sense of responsibility. Although Jonah had many weaknesses, it was because of such a strong sense of responsibility that he was chosen as a prophet. God likes people who acknowledge their own faults, take responsibility for them, and forgive others for their faults. If you have done something wrong to someone else, look at Exodus and take responsibility. If someone else did something wrong, look at Matthew and cover it with forgiveness and love.
2. Serve more
Jesus said not to be ‘five miles’ but ‘ten lifes’ (verse 41). Do a little more than you have to do, a little more than you expect, a little more than you get paid, and come a little earlier than your appointment time. If the worship time comes 10 minutes before, on time, and 10 minutes later, there is a big difference in meaning and a big difference in grace. The number one priority to be organized at work is not those who are incompetent, but those who come to work late and leave early.
One day, a president asked the job applicants. “What are you good at?” Then a young man answered. “If you choose me, it will be more than the price of a meal.” Hearing this, I immediately hired him. When asked to go 5 li, the door of blessing opens for those who want to go 10 li and make more than the price of food. '5 Li Life' doesn't make good friends and connections. He doesn't even introduce a good girl to such a young man. On the other hand, he introduces many virgins to some young men. It is proof that the young man is living a '10-li life'. Joseph became the prime minister of Egypt because he lived a life of 10 li doing more than the work entrusted to him.
One day, Rockefeller, who was an accountant for a small company, prayed and came up with an oil business. It was a business that required a lot of money, but it was easy to raise capital. It's because your acquaintances lent you money. At the time, the prospects for the oil business were uncertain, but people entrusted their money because of a man named Rockefeller, not a business prospect. If you live 10 li, one day you will have the opportunity of a dream-like blessing, your abilities will improve, and your hidden potential will be revealed. If you do more work than your mission, you will lose money, but there is always a reward for '10-li life'. If you decide to lose, you won't lose.
3. Give more
Continuing Jesus said: “Give to him who asks of you, and do not refuse him who wants to borrow from you” (verse 42). God gives more to those who live by sharing. If you don't give, you won't receive. The great men of the Bible had many weaknesses, but none were selfish. Why did Abraham become the father of faith? Looking at his life in the Bible, he was an excellent person for sharing. As I shared it, it was rather rejected.
Saying many words of blessing is also an important life of sharing. In today's workplace, about half of employees aren't recognized, and 80% say they've never heard a "thank you." In such a case, saying thank you to the staff at a restaurant or market is a great help to them. These days, people often see through the lens of criticism. “Why would you act like that? I can't quite understand Why would you dress like that?” Get into the habit of discovering the strengths and beauty of everyone by putting on a spiritual lens instead of a critical lens.
Now is the time for even more encouragement. Because there are a lot more negative words circulating than before. When I look on the Internet, I hide my face and say things that I can't even say because I'm shy without hesitation and cowardly. In times like these, let your family, friends, and co-workers feel how lovable and precious they are. “Master! It's always fun because it's fun. I am always moved by the life of sharing joy even in the midst of hardship.”
Protect your loved ones from negative and discouraging words so they don't drown in a flood of hurtful words. Avoid arguing with people you hate and envy, and use your time meaningfully with your loved ones to discuss a more creative tomorrow. Especially if your loved one follows a holy vision and follows the path of a few, be happy to be his background with words of praise and deeds of encouragement. If you give a lot of words of praise and encouraging actions like the treasure of the soul and leave the blessing, the day will come when you will find it and write it down.