“Many people are in a quest for inner freedom. But, when we seek freedom in order to consume it ourselves – for example saying, ‘I want to be able to do whatever I want to do ‘ – we enslave ourselves to our ego. But, when we love others as ourselves, not only do we discover the joy of love, but also we find we are free at last.” (p 116)
Why do we seek freedom? How do we know we are free?
“For freedom Christ has set us free.”
Galatians 5:1
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.”
Galatians 5:13
Facing the Day – The Jesus Creed leads us to freedom in God’s Spirit.
“Before you say anything about someone, Jesus teaches, first think of yourself. This question by Jesus creates a new way of life: ‘Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?’ (Matthew 7:3) A good look at the mirror of our own soul reveals that we don’t have everything together, and this self-knowledge creates a pattern of empathy and sympathy for others. With this penetrating question, Jesus shows us that judgmentalism needs to give way to empathic, loving discernment.” (p 107)
We arrive at “empathic, loving discernment” by thinking of ourselves first? That is a new way to think of judgment and discernment for me. What about you?
Last Friday was Day 20 of our reading Scot McKnight’s book and brought us to the half-way mark. Do you think it accidental that the title of last Friday’s reading was “At the Center of a Centered Life”?
Why don’t you take a moment or two and look back over what you have read thus far. You might want to look back over the scriptures and maybe the focuses for each day and if you have been underlining or marking passages in your book see what caught your attention.
What has stood out to you the most so far?
As we move on to the second 20 days maybe we can take the title of Day 21’s reading, “Principles to Live By,” and let that be our watchword as see what principles Jesus would have us live out daily.
Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}
ps – Due do some schedule issues last week, I did not post as as many snippets from the book as earlier. This week I should be back to my usual posting. Thanks for understanding.
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.”
Matthew 7:24-24
Facing this day: Those who live by Jesus’ principles live a different kind of life.
“But strive first for the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:33
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
Facing the Day: Center on God and God’s ways.
“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1
“Hes has told you, O mortal, what is god; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
Facing the Day: Practice spiritual disciplines as gifts from God to lead you to love God and others.
“But love your enemies”
Luke 6:35
“Father, forgive them.”
Luke 23:24
Facing the Day: The Jesus Creed summons us to love even our enemy.
“The Jesus Creed ethic counters everything our culture considers great …. true greatness is measured not by fame and fortune, but by goodness and mercy.” (p 86)
Is culture the source of your ethic or is the Jesus Creed?
“Whoever does [these commandments] and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:19b
“First be reconciled to your brother or sister.”
Matthew 5:24
Facing the Day: Greatness is measured by loving relationships not by fame and fortune.