This week's Bible Study - October 28, 2007
RESPECT-Find Out What It Means
 Background Scripture:
Matthew 5:33-40
Quote of the Week:
“If you can't ignore an insult, top it; if you can't top it, laugh it off; and if you can't laugh it off, it's probably deserved.”
-- J Russell Lynes
Have you ever heard somebody say something that you just couldn't believe? I remember a time at work several years ago when I was working for a subcontractor to another company. I had to travel to the 'home office' and I walked into the supervisor's office while he was on the phone. I heard him say "We can do that, yes, we can do that, yes, will do that". He said his goodbyes, hung up and then looked at me and said "We're not going to do that!". Why speak?
In this chapter (Matthew 5), Jesus spoke to his disciples about the way to live. We are to be salt and light. We are to pay attention to the law as a standard, but it is not our judge. In truth, the law is only a pointer to how we should live. It says to not murder, but Jesus tells us that anger can be akin to murder. Jesus wants us to consider how we live and get rid of the things that can destroy us. We need to know that God's way is the way to live, and we are not to pick and choose the parts we want.
In the Old Testament, the Jews knew about the power of an oath. An oath was serious business and meant to be kept. We know something of commitments and contracts, but many of us have reneged on commitments we may have made - to a friend, a child, a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a job, a church or many other places. In fact, there have been churches that have asked for members to make something of an oath to contribute to a building project or some other special concern.
However, Jesus told his followers that they were not to swear by anything - heaven or earth. They were not to swear by their own head, as they had no means to make their own hair white or black. Of course, many have changed the color of their hair, but it is only temporary. Rather than swearing by something else, our word is to be our word. When you say yes, say yes. It doesn't matter if you cross your fingers or if you place your hand on a stack of Bibles - let your words rings true with what you do.
Jesus also spoke to how we should deal with others. In the Old Testament, it was said that the rule was an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth. The general rule seemed to indicate that getting even was called for. An eye for an eye refers to the punishment fitting the crime. However, when this is how we live - it tends to go unchecked. Who quits with the eyes? Do you remember the story of the Hatfields and the McCoys? They forgot the original offense that started the feud. Is this like us? From the TV show "The Office", Angela once talked about how good she was. She had an argument with her sister 16 years ago and still hadn't talked - didn't even remember what it was, but she was still mad. Boy, that's good, eh?
It's not just about physical abuse - it may also be verbal abuse or insults. There are many who respond in kind to insults. They wait for the time to get even - either aside or in front of others. If it is at all possible, overlook and respond lovingly to those who want to insult you. There are insults that fly in many places - school, many homes, workplaces or even churches. Are you in the midst?
But, Jesus commanded a different tactic. Rather than being overly concerned about our own rights, we should avoid retaliation.
Obviously, Jesus was not stating that we should roll over and let others abuse us. For those who are in abusive relationships and their personal safety is in question, they need to get out. However, when we are more concerned about getting even - we are living like the world and not as Christ has called us to live.
Closing
Jesus really wants our relationship with Him to cause us to live as authentic believers. While there are standards that we are told to live by, our lives are not to be governed by legalism. When that happens, we tend to think of ourselves as above others. Jesus wants us to live in harmony with his word and to be real.
When you speak, can you be trusted? Don't make it so that somebody has to know your code to know if you are telling the truth. And, is there something that you are holding against somebody, waiting for that time to get revenge? Let it go.
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