Living the Gospel: Emulating Jesus in a World of Contradictions (01/22/'24)

Living the Gospel: Emulating Jesus in a World of Contradictions In the world as Jesus saw it, there was a striking contradiction. He met people who knew what was right but didn't act on it, and others who had the ability to do good but lacked the drive. Society around him was fixated on chasing wealth, fame, and power, often ignoring their inner well-being and the true meaning of life. This pursuit was commonly accepted as the necessary way of life. In such a world, reminiscent of the chaotic and disturbed state of the madmen in Gerasa, Jesus remained steadfast. He faithfully followed the will of the Heavenly Father until the end, demonstrating unwavering commitment in a world filled with confusion and misplaced priorities. This observation leads us to a crucial insight: our religious behavior often falls short of the ideals described in the gospel. Therefore, it is essential to approach speaking or preaching with humility and moderation. More importantly, we must strive to put into practice the words proclaimed in the gospel. Like Jesus, we should work tirelessly and wholeheartedly to fulfill God's will on this earth. (References: Luke 8:26-38; 10:25-37; Matthew 8:28-34; 23:1-39; Mark 5:1-20). -Pastor Steven G. Lee (January 30, 2024)