Kingdom priorities

Matthew 23 : 23 - 28

...you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness.....

I truly wonder what Jesus would make of our churches today. We are often busy keeping things going, offering many programs to keep people occupied, and of course making sure people are taught correctly. We are rightly very concerned about holiness, but oftentimes, we major on the minors and miss the forest for the trees.

The Pharisees found it easier to be scrupulous in their tithing than to ask themselves what the law's underlying priorities were. Perhaps it is easier to follow a rule that has clear expectations: the tithe could be measured out accurately. But not so with justice, mercy and faithfulness. I believe many of us would agree. It is easier to be told : do this, avoid that......than to figure out for ourselves what God's kingdom values really are and to live them in the concrete situations we meet everyday. We read of God's justice in many passages. Sometimes I think we mistake his justice for 'judgment'. Justice is what God desires for the oppressed, the vulnerable, those who are neglected by the stronger ones. Mercy is extended to those who are in the wrong, who deserve punishment. Faithfulness is to persevere in our trust in and obedience to God and help others do the same. These are kingdom priorities that Jesus would like his disciples to live.

Measuring ourselves and our churches in these areas may find us lacking. It is sad but many have experienced the Christian community as 'judgmental' and 'unforgiving'. And we cannot name too many role models who have lived a persevering faith.

As I think about all this, I can't help but be concerned that the young people today will not have anything solid to ground their lives in, if we of the older generation do not awaken to God's call and lead the way. We may have to rethink the way we 'do' church. If the church does not constantly challenge people to enter a transforming relationship with God (Micah 6: 8), then we may be only peddling a man made religious system, with the name of Jesus tacked onto it. This is not to point accusing fingers at others. It starts with myself, with each individual who calls Jesus 'Lord'.