I’m in a season of seeing God through my own spiritual eyes and not through the ideas and theories of others, even theories about God from good men whose lives are worthy of respect and imitation.
As I read Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6, I am struck by his lack of strategies to get inside of this life’s comforts, securities, and safeties. It’s as though comfort, security, and safety are not at all values in this Man’s kingdom.
He says BLESSED are those who are poor, hungry, in despair, and who are insulted and persecuted. He says WOE to those who are rich, who are well fed, who laugh, and who are highly esteemed and spoken well about.
He says do not store up treasure on earth, but in heaven. Do not hoard resources.
He says do not worry about food, water, or clothes.
He says give to anyone who asks, lend without any concern for repayment.
He says pray and do good to those who mistreat me.
I just don’t see a lot of the same concerns I struggle with, for I struggle –still– with safety and security, which again is an orphan spirit, the mindset of someone on their own, fending for themselves, rather than someone with a Father.
My own spiritual eyes see that salvation is not the avoidance of hardship or suffering. Salvation is certainly not material blessing and abundance. Jesus does not give advice on growing investments and finding financial peace.
My eyes are starting to see that the goal of this life is not survival. The goal is to leave all and follow Him.
