sermon on the mount-- rationalizing

Whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do so, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does them and teaches others to do so, will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

We people are such great rationalizers. Regardless of what the Lord tells us to do, we can figure out ways around it.

We come in two basic groups. Those of us who use the exact letter of the law; and those of us who believe we are spirit led.

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus brings both groups up short.

To the first group Jesus says anger, contempt and immoral thoughts are the same as murder and adultery and will thus be judged accordingly.

To the second group Jesus says marriage, promises and charity must all be precisely acted upon—that it is not just the thought that counts.

Obedience, which is an essential aspect of worship, must be done in spirit and in truth.

LR