Called to Preserve

This week’s passage: Matthew 5

Now that we have read through and discussed Matthew chapter 5, I want to look at how we might apply this in our lives today. In verses 1-12 we learned that being grieved by the fact that in our own power we are sinners who should thirst for righteousness, and having an attitude of meekness, mercy, pureness of heart, and peace will bring us blessings from God. We also saw that believing in God’s righteousness would cause us to be persecuted by those who don’t, which should be a reason for us to rejoice because our reward in heaven will be great and our time on earth will be short. In verses 13-16 we learned our purpose here on earth (to preserve goodness through the work of the Holy Spirit and to glorify God), and in verses 17-48 we find out that contrary to the prosperity gospel movement, Jesus did not come to the earth as a man to tell us we were free to do whatever we please and that He was here to make us all rich and happy.

Why Didn’t Jesus Abolish the Law?

If Christ loves us so much, why are there so many rules to follow? Can’t we just live how we want? Many people have this attitude, and I believe that attitude is growing exponentially in our culture. Just as a parent would not allow their child to put a paperclip in a light socket, we see that in the Levitical law (which was given to Moses by God) there are elements of God’s protection. Such as laws that kept them from disease by requiring good hygiene and not allowing them to eat certain foods and laws that kept them from killing each other.

When Jesus upped the ante and said not just our actions, but even our thoughts could break the law, we can still see that element of protection (stopping our thoughts before they become action can save us and those around us from many uncomfortable and dangerous situations), but there is a much bigger reason for the law.

In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul explains that they could not work for their salvation by trying to follow the law perfectly. He reminds them that the law was put in place to point out our sin and prove that we can’t fix that sin, so the law leads us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

“Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.“ (Galatians 3:21-24 ESV)

The Conflict of Man’s Law

We see it exploding today, the effort of man to abolish the law of God. While scripture tells us to follow man’s law, it also tells us that we should only do so if it does not go against God’s law. Our politicians are rapidly passing laws that go directly against the laws of God, so what do we do now?

First, we must know and understand God’s law which we do through bible study, church attendance and fellowship with other believers. If we listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance, as the author of Hebrews explains, the Holy Spirit will bear witness to us.

“And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” (Hebrews 10:15-17)

Second, we must live out our faith. It is not enough to simply have “head knowledge” of the Word and to say we believe that God sacrificed His Son to cleanse our sin, we must live our lives as children of Christ. He did not stand idly by, and watch people encourage evil, He called them out, and we should do the same.

We are each given plenty of opportunity to stand up for what is right in the eyes of God. Whether that is simply asking someone to respect you and others by not speaking profanity or standing up for your right to be in a church worshipping Christ with fellow believers. Our lives must reflect Christ’s love for His people and His distain for all things evil. Unlike those who would respond with violence, we must use our voice, our actions, and prayer to stand up for what is good. This will look different for each of us, some have influence in one area, some in others, we all have our own strengths that can be used. One thing I am sure of, “going along to get along” is not what God has called us to do.

How can we apply this passage to the growth of our “salt and light”?

• Speak up when you find yourself in a conversation that is encouraging evil on any level. Stop the gossip session, speak up for the safety of our children, and stand up for your right to believe in and worship Christ.
• Cast your vote! We still live in a country that allows its citizens a voice through voting. Don’t allow the noise and confusion of evil in this world to talk you out of participating in that while it is still an option. Educate yourself on the issues and exercise your right to vote.
• If you see something happening in our culture that causes your heart to hurt for others, pray about how you might be able to get involved in the solution in a way that glorifies God and stirs people to turn to Him for answers.

If you see other ways to apply this Word in your life, feel free to share in the comments.