The first verse of chapter 5 of Matthew states that the entire teaching is to Jesus’ disciples though a multitude had gathered around him on the Mount.

 

Who is a disciple?- A personal follower of Christ during his life is called a disciple.  Discipleship means living every day for the glory of God before others and inviting them also to join you on the journey. If you and I consider ourselves to be disciples of Christ, then it’s our responsibility to fulfill Our Lord’s desire upon us, that is to “be perfect.” Why? Matthew 5:16  says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

 

In today’s reading three instructions (of the many given) can be identified- 3 Do’s of Jesus telling us how to achieve the goal, “Be perfect.”

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• Do your best to be faithful to your words.

• Do more than required

• Do more than others.

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Do your best to be faithful to your words (Matt 5:33-37)

As we are all related to family/society/Job/business, etc (one or many), in all these areas how many time were we faithful towards the “YES” we said?, the “NO” we declared ?  Matthew 5: 37 ESV:  Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.  See what Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Can we be faithful to each word?

 

Do more than required (Matt 5:40-41)

In our daily life how much are we satisfied? How many times have we complained about others- that ‘he/she didn’t do this for me?’ etc. But what does our Master say? Matthew 7:12 KJV “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Can we do more than what we except others to do for us?

 

 

Do More than others (Love / Justice)

In every area of our Life a disciple must do more than others in Loving – Loving our enemies, blessing others, praying for others (Matt 5:44) etc, because Our  Lord loved each of us (John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.")-

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• When I was a sinner, He Loved me (Rom 5:8)

• When I was an enemy, He Loved me (Rom 5:10-11)

• When I was far off from Lord, He Loved me (Eph.2:13)

• When I was dead due to sin and trespasses, He Loved me (Eph.2:1 & Eph.2:5).

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Ephesians 2:14: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” Our Jesus did this for us. Can we do more than others as a disciple of Christ?

 

You might be thinking is this really possible for me? Can I achieve this? The answer is YES! Dear brother/sister, it is possible through Our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the help of Holy Spirit who indwells us (John 16:7-8). But I (you) need to take an initial step, be humble (1 Peter 5:5) and ask for His grace (Heb.4:15-16). If we are ready for that- "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you (me) will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6 NASB.

 

Thought for the Day:

“Only One Life, t’will soon be past;

only what’s done for Christ will last”

~ Anon

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Listen:  'Blessed Assurance'