Matthew 5:33-48

 Matthew 5.33-48

The ethic that the Lord has for us is beyond anything a legal code could impose. It is not merely insisting that a given behavior ends. It ends evil behavior by an intentional and internal change. In the fertile ground of a life dedicated to God the weeds of hate, lust, falsehood and retribution cannot grow. Which is the higher standard, to never actually commit the act of adultery or to not desire the other woman? It would be all but impossible to do the latter by our own power. But the former might be within our will power or self control. The radical shift in ethics is most pronounced in the transition from “hate your enemies“ to “love your enemies”. This righteousness is higher and better than any legalistic righteousness. Not only is it better because the conduct is in itself better, but also because the motivation has changed and the dynamic that powers it has changed. The word translated “perfect” meaning "whole" or "complete" is more than moral perfection or behavioral perfection. It is a life integrated into the will of God and because of this it reflects His character. We love our enemies because that is God’s nature. He blesses the righteous and the unrighteous with rain.

When the motivation is shifted from ourselves and onto the life of God we enter into the state Paul described in Galatians 2:20. "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

This is not focused on sinless perfectionism-being behaviorally perfect-but on the whole person in the presence of God. The internal conflicts fade when there are no longer two forces in a divided person fighting for control. An evil person who is given over to evil isn’t bothered by a conscience. On the other hand, the righteous person given over completely to God has also moved beyond the battle and only lives a whole life of holiness.

"Lord, I desire to be holy like You are holy. Help me to die to myself and to live in You. AMEN"