So what we do as employees , as customers , as wives , husbands and parents , as neighbors and friends , every day , can we strive to do it fairly and faithfully ? What does that mean ?
new church life : january / february 2017
So what we do as employees , as customers , as wives , husbands and parents , as neighbors and friends , every day , can we strive to do it fairly and faithfully ? What does that mean ?
It means don ’ t use your upset temper as an excuse to belittle your spouse or children . Because that becomes you – a bully , spiteful – and you don ’ t want to be that .
See , because as you become more those things , the world becomes a little more that way . People become more used to being cheated , disregarded , put down , and they learn to respond in kind . Sadly , that ’ s much of the world we live in today .
But when we do the opposite , when we strive to carry out our daily tasks fairly and faithfully , the world does become a better place . When we don ’ t falsify ourselves , even if it inconveniences us or makes us look bad , when we exercise patience , kindness , fair-mindedness , well , then , we become true , patient , generous , and the world becomes a little more just , more faithful .
Now this morning we read two stories from the Gospels in which people ask : “ What should I do ?” The answer seems to be that we love our neighbor by acting fairly and faithfully in the work of our daily lives .
But there is a third story in the Gospels in which the same question is asked . In this story , a man runs to Jesus , and asks : “ What should I do that I may inherit eternal life ?” The Lord ’ s initial answer is not surprising : essentially , treat others fairly and faithfully in keeping the commandments . And He lists them : “ Do not commit adultery , do not murder , do not steal , do not bear false witness , do not defraud , honor your father and your mother .” And the man answers , “ Teacher , all these things I have kept from my youth .” The Lord ’ s next response adds something startlingly new to the picture :
Then Jesus , looking at him , loved him , and said to him , “ One thing you lack : Go your way , sell whatever you have and give to the poor , and you will have treasure in heaven ; and come , take up the cross , and follow Me .” ( Mark 10:17-21 )
This is a hard saying ! It ’ s easy to hear the Lord ’ s words here as rebuking the man for not doing enough , for falling short .
But notice that Christ does not say , “ One thing you ’ re disappointing in , one thing you ’ re not good enough at .” No , the text says that Jesus loved him , and He says , “ One thing you lack .” Our God wants our lives to overflow with blessings , and He tells us . One thing you still lack . Sell whatever you have , give to the poor , take up your cross , and follow Me .
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