Let's do the title first. [Matthew 7:12]
Contents
Let's do the Subject first. <Matthew 7:12>
□ Let's do it first
(Therefore, in whatever way you would like others to do to you, do also to them.
This is the Law and the Prophets) (Matthew 7:12)
1. What makes humans happy?
When I was hungry, I thought that human happiness requires some kind of happiness.
Even in the early 70s, I felt happy when I first made rice, briquettes, and kimchi for mistletoe.
As the saying goes, if you have food and clothes to wear, you should be satisfied.
However, due to economic growth, what do you think is the reason for the low happiness level even if you have everything you need externally?
It tells us that human happiness is never in possessions.
So these days, I have come to think that human happiness should be found in relationships. It has come to be argued that happiness is only achieved when the right relationship is established in ① the relationship between people, ② the relationship between people and material things, and ③ the relationship between people and God.
I think that's correct.
Martin Buber (1878-1965), a German Jewish religious philosopher, Bible translator, and commentator, said:
“Serving God, loving people, and using material things,” he said, is the right relationship.
In other words, you can enjoy happiness by rectifying the relationship between God, man, and material things.
Please think carefully about these words.
This is based on the premise that the relationship between man and man without God will inevitably be <self-centered>, and material things without God will fall into <pleasure>.
Consolation means that when you serve God, love your neighbor, and live with material possessions, you will avoid confusion and fall into corruption.
Let's take a closer look at the rise and fall of human history.
Why did such great powers end up falling apart?
It can be said that it is because the right relationship between God, neighbor, and material was not formed.
When the above relationship is not properly established, the order of <society> and <family> is destroyed.
This is the reason why people are told that today's material civilization is a fallen civilization.
2. So what should we do first?
Our church's theme setting for this year should be viewed from this perspective.
Greet first, forgive first, serve first, love first...
All of these are the words the Lord taught us in today's text.
Today's text is what is called the golden rule of Jesus.
“Whatever you would like others to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
In other words, it means that all the laws and the spirit of the prophets were included in these words.
The point of this verse is that if you want others to do something to you, you should do it first.
If I want other people to know me, it means I have to get to know them first.
If you want others to praise you, you should praise him first.
If you want others to treat you, you have to treat yourself first.
What objection do you have here?
But people aren't good at it.
I just wanted to be treated, but I don't know how to do it.
I want to be loved, but I can't love.
I wanted to hear compliments, but I didn't know how to praise them.
Being stingy doesn't just apply to materials.
Why can't I do things that don't cost money in the first place...?
I don't know why you can't do what you can do without money.
Saying hello, you can do it without money.
There are many words in the Bible about what to do first.
① Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness.
② Go first and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.
③ Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘May this house be in peace.
There is a lot to be said for doing this first.
But in reality, there are many cases where everyone falls for themselves and wants others to do the same. Even while listening to the Word, he tries not to associate himself at all with such a feeling, 'That sound should be heard by a butler...'.
Before <Word>, we must examine ourselves.
So I'll have to figure out what to do first.
What should I fix first?
What should I do for others first?
Let's take a look at that.
3. What should be done first in the material relationship between God and man?
That's the truth.
Be true to God, be true to your neighbor,
You have to be honest with money.
When this relationship is properly formed, you will be happy.
There is a saying that communism and Christianity have in common.
It means revolution.
But what is the difference between communism and revolution in Christianity?
Communists always set the object of their revolution on others.
It is said that the target of overthrow is you, not me.
It is said that it is because of the exploitation of the bourgeoisie that the working and peasant are poor. So I say you have to overthrow it.
Even if you overthrow, you must overthrow mercilessly.
Only then can the revolutionary task be accomplished.
But today, take a look at North Korea.
After overthrowing the bourgeoisie who had thus become the object of the revolution,
It has created a more severe class society.
Party cadres actually rule over workers and peasants, and it is the high-ranking party who enjoy more benefits than workers and peasants.
So, did not Hwang Jang-yop, who established the basic philosophy of communist society in North Korea, say something after defecting? North Korea called it dogmatism and feudalism, not communism. A one-man dictatorship and a feudal society that was more than a landowner was achieved by saying that it was for the workers and the peasants.
Why do you think this happened?
It's because you haven't been able to examine yourself first.
The Christian revolution makes itself the object of revolution, not others.
He thoroughly insists that he must be broken first.
But in reality, this is not the case,
Today's Christians have become like salt that has lost its flavor.
Therefore, in conclusion, the first thing to do is to become the object of the revolution myself.
That is, to restore integrity.
Because that is faith.
If those who live by faith are the most unreliable,
How can they be called people of faith?
This is the most unfortunate thing for us today.
If people of faith became people of unbelief,
What more can you expect now?
When asked why Elder Lee did this, he said that he did it once before, but he was worse than an untrustworthy employee when he joined the company, and he complained the most.
Of course, since we are humans, where can we find all perfect people? But, because we are Christians, our expectations are higher.
The same is true for our pastors who make recommendations.
It's because you can't say that you can't recommend it when you ask for a recommendation, so there are many cases where you can only say good with formal words. Especially when recommending a seminary.
Therefore, the most important thing is the restoration of integrity.
In the relationship between God, man, and material things, I must first be sincere.
This is because if you are true to God, you will be able to cast away lies in front of people.
It's not just the political world these days that deals with fraudulent money.
Some business owners try to make a profit by tricking their neighbors.
With the money he earned, he made his house bigger and bigger,
Those who set up a bigger company with the money they earned by cheating their neighbors will not bring happiness to themselves.
Falsehood and dishonesty are the primary things that need to be banished from all over our society.
First of all, I have to be honest and truthful.
First, the object of the revolution must be mine.
I must become a person who can be truthful before God, in front of people, and in the face of material things. Without it, nothing will change.
In order to break the mold in a society that has become structurally dishonest, Christians must first start with their own revolution.
Even if everyone else eats it, I should not eat it.
That is the spirit of martyrdom today.
That is the path to becoming a Christian today.
You are said to be the salt of the world.
Salt tastes salty.
It is said that salt, which has lost its salty taste, is thrown on the roadside and only trampled on by people.
Let's be the first to say hello.
Let's be the first to serve.
Let's be forgiving people first.
So I hope that we can all find our first love again.
And I hope that we can all be loved by the Lord. ♣