Liquid Salt

What a sight the Israelites must have been in Moses’ day. A vast people numbering around 2 million, camped in the desert, as structured and large as any other city on earth, yet moving like like no other city.

Their actions and customs would have been completely foreign to any other people, yet it would be incredibly obvious that these were a special people.

I used to thank God that we don’t have to live by the extreme rules and regulations of the Old Testament. How much easier it is to simply love Jesus and follow his teachings than some archaic protocals.

Now, i realize that the rules of the Old Testament weren’t a cage, but a release; release from the diseases, idolitry, and enslavements of the day. Jesus gave us his rules as well – and through Jesus, those rules give us the way to The Father.

We are still called to be recognizably different by our actions and customs. The actions and customs have just been changed to keep pace with the world around us.

The modern world is conflicted concerning sexuality. Jesus said to stay pure and avoid immoral thoughts. [1]

The modern world says the pursuit of wealth is most important. Jesus says money is not a treasure [2] , Love for the Father is most important. [3]

The modern world says spirituality comes from inside ourselves. Jesus says the Spirit comes only from God. [4]

We are called to be recognizably different. When the people around us stop asking why we are different, we have forgotten who we are here for.

[1] 27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5 NIV

[2] “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” – Luke 12:21

[3] 35 One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” 37 Jesus replied, “`You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. – Matthew 22 NLT

[4] 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. – John 14 NLT

Tags: Relationship, Society // 2 Comments »