In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenged His followers (then and today) to examine what standard they are going to follow in their attitude and behavior. Option number one: Use the standard that is based upon “What you have heard others say.” Option number two: Use the standard that is based upon “What I [Jesus] say to you.”
Those are two very different standards. Every follower of Christ must choose to investigate and adopt the lifestyle that He expects us to live. While His standard may be challenging, it is, nonetheless, the way to life (Matt. 7:14). Consider what Jesus said in Matthew 5:38-48 and Luke 6:27-36. Read each of these lines slowly and introspectively.
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.”
“To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also.”
“And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either.”
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
“Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”
“And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
“But if you love those who love you, what credit 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 credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.”
“But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return.”
Did you examine yourself as you read each of these lines? By learning to treat others in this fashion (by following His standard), Jesus draws our attention to our “perfect” Model and concludes with this instruction: “…and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.” On this verse, J.W. McGarvey commented, “God is our model. Everything short of that is short of what we ought to be…Like Paul, we must be ever striving (Phil. 3:12). Our standard is not the perfection of great and heroic men, but of the infinite Creator himself.” Let us model ourselves after Him!