The word “law” makes me think of dreadful legalese. For example, think of the things we consumers agree with:
Most of us don’t read them because they seem trivial, but it doesn’t change the facts. If we use products like Facebook, iPads and mobile phones, we agree with the terms and conditions set by their makers. In the same way, those of us who profess to be Christians had better realize that this places us under Christ’s rules. But I think there are two big differences.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
First, Christ’s rules aren’t legalistic. I don’t think he cares as much about how we calculate our tithes, how we conduct baptisms, and how regularly we attend Sunday services compared to how sincerely we want to follow Him. Following Christ isn’t about dotting our i’s and crossing our t’s, but committing our lives to the values that He cares about.
This leads us to the more important point – Christ’s values aren’t trivial. Many have lost faith in the Church because we constantly argue over silly matters. Pessimism about Christianity is at an all-time high and church attendance continues to decline in most Western countries. Perhaps attendance is not the problem, but a symptom of how far we have strayed from the values of the early Church. Perhaps it’s time to refocus on what Jesus calls the “important matters of the law.”
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?…
…Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Posted on January 25, 2012
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