Moving Beyond the Minimum

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, "You've heard it was said don't murder...but I say anyone who's angry will be subject to judgment."

It's easy to read this as unattainable. But I think Jesus is urging us to change where our aim is.

Laws can only define the very minimum required to not sin. A true legalist wants to know the rules so they can see how much they can get away with. Laws can't legislate what you could do purely out of love. Jesus wants to move us beyond the minimum of our obligation and move us toward His love.

Princeton psychologists John Darley and Daniel Batson ran an experiment with seminary students. They told half to prepare a talk on the Good Samaritan parable. - the one where Jesus vividly illustrates noticing a victim of a assault in need of help.

Then they sent these seminary students to another building, varying only whether students were told they were running late or had extra time. On the way, all the students passed a man slumped against a wall, groaning and coughing.

The results? Whether they were preparing to talk about the Good Samaritan made no difference. The only thing that mattered was whether they were in a hurry. In high-hurry situations, only 10% stopped to help.

Lent is about creating space—slowing down enough to re-sensitize our hearts to what actually matters.

This Week:

• Begin your chosen fast as your family or small group becomes more aware of other’s needs.

• Keeping a running tally of money saved from ordinary, typical purchases, or a modest menu.

• Ask yourself: What am I hurrying toward? What am I missing?

For daily readings, prompts, prayers, and New Normal suggestions, download the Lenten Guide.

Grace and peace,
David