To be honest, I find it easy to trip quickly through Matthew 7 and move on. What does it have to do with me anyway? I know I have logs in my eye, so I just do not judge anyone at all for anything, and I’m all good. I’m a city-girl, born and bred. My swine come nicely packaged as spiral sliced ham from Kroger. And BOY howdy! I can out Golden Rule the best of the Golden Rulers! Let’s get on to chapter 8 and some miracle making, shall we?
If only.
M. Robert Mulholland, in his book The Deeper Journey, describes the Believer’s life in terms of a True Self and a False Self. The True Self, he says, is a mirror image of Jesus.
And as the mirror image of Jesus Christ, we are filled with the fullness of God.
Boy howdy. If we are gonna really do that, then we cannot skip-to-my-lou over Matthew 7. Here Jesus is describing people living out of what Mulholland describes as our False Selves. When we walk the path of the False Self, a wide and broad path indeed, we pride ourselves in our holy accomplishments and trust in our own resources rather than in the fullness of God in us. While seeing specks in the eyes of those around us, we are fond of our ability to lead them to better ways. We know we are the good parents giving our sons good gifts, and we take pride in the gifts our Good Father has given us, as we ponder the impoverished and their lack of work ethic. We marvel at the fruits of our VBS backdrops and the size of the crowds at our events, never stopping to wonder who gave a drink of water to the thirsty.
16 The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert,
his righteousness live in the fertile field.
17 The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places,
in secure homes,
in undisturbed places of rest.
19 Though hail flattens the forest
and the city is leveled completely,
20 how blessed you will be,
sowing your seed by every stream,
and letting your cattle and donkeys range free.