Daily Readings and Thought for March 15th. “WHAT BENEFIT IS THAT TO YOU?”

 In Luke Ch. 6 from v.20 we have Luke’s selection from the sayings of Jesus in what we usually refer to as ‘‘the Sermon on the Mount’ (Matt. Chaps. 5-7) These are essential principles for those aiming to truly follow Christ.  Jesus has some challenging questions! “If you love those who love you what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you?  For even sinners do the same.” [v.32,33]  Christ challenged his hearers to achieve higher standards of behaviour than the example set by the religious leaders. 

It is of some credit that in our era several countries, such as our own, have a multitude of social welfare organisations, in addition to Govt. initiatives, to help those who are called ‘under privileged.’  Their poverty is sometimes caused by some misfortune, a health breakdown or accident; but it is often a result of the their own foolishness or laziness.  A great deal of money is spent in prodding people’s consciences to give to these welfare organisations – and much good work is done by the Salvation Army and similar organisations. In what are called ‘third world’ countries,  the problems are greater – the gap between the rich and the poor is often enormous!

The true followers of Christ should not need to have their consciences prodded!  They need to have the principles he taught always in mind as they encounter different circumstances; they must not be coldly calculating in the things they will or will not do.  

    Life is a real challenge for those who are well blessed, even more for those with an abundance of this world’s goods (remember the parable about the one who built bigger barns – Luke 12 v.18!). We noted Jesus’ words, “woe to you who are rich for you have received your consolation” [v.24]

The Apostle Paul gives sound advice to the Galatians that is good for all ages, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially those who are of the household of faith” [6 v.10]