Are You Ready To Settle Up Your Debts?
Good Morning Friends,
Today’s teachings from the Sermon on the Mount present an alternative approach to the legalistic practices of the religious leaders of the day. The bottom line is that we are not to use the law to gain earthly power but instead obey it to gain righteousness. Here we learn that when there are issues to resolve it is best not to wait. Legalism takes a long time and does not benefit the heart. So, if we want to avert bigger problems, if we want to enjoy more of life, we need to come into agreement sooner rather than later. Are You Ready To Settle Up Your Debts?
Scripture: Do two walk together unless they have made an appointment?
Amos 3:3 (NRSV)
‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison.
Matthew 5:21-25 (NRSV)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
Romans 12:17 (NRSV)
Message: Unrighteous anger, rage, malice and slander can wreck relationships. They are signs we have not settled up with God…that we are no longer walking with Him. They are signs that start out as an aggravation but soon escalate if not addressed. That is why we should take action immediately to avoid them. Jesus warns of the awesomely destructive potential of negative emotions. Jesus teaches us that the law does not change our hearts, faith does. Rules are heavy. Regulations wear us down but God’s commandments are not burdensome. Jesus’ yoke is pleasant. And when our hearts are changed so too is our behavior. Looking good under the law without being good may make a point for the self-righteous but does little or nothing to improve our situation in life. Jesus knows that there is no earthly prosecution against lingering, vengeful angry thoughts, but that they are spiritually destructive. Here we learn that where there is no friendship, there is no fellowship…that God and man cannot walk together unless we are seeking God’s glory and peace. Friends, settling debts is an emotion not financial transaction when it comes to Kingdom work. The most practical thing to do is to walk with God trusting in him and sharing in the love we have been given. You will never have peace of mind until you get out of debt and the only way to do that is to have faith and trust in the grace of Jesus and then in response find peace in acts of love and forgiveness shared.
Pray we never humiliate others. Pray that in our heats we long to be reconciled to those people with whom we have broken relationships. Pray our words agree with God’s words. Pray we have internal righteousness. Pray we mourn when we see unrighteous anger. Pray we learn to love others with the kind of heart that Jesus wants us to have. Pray we avoid disputes. Pray we bring hope and trust in the face of disagreements. Pray we drop the righteous act and let Jesus change our hearts. Pray that if our anger is rational and prompted by injustice that it not separate us from God’s intention for us. Pray we abort anger before it becomes hatred. Pray we be peacemakers. Pray we learn to control our anger. Pray that our obedience is joyful evidence that we love God and our neighbors.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 