In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus invites us into a lifestyle which radically alters our relationships with others, with God, and with possessions. There are many reasons to embrace these behaviors.
One reason relates to the way these deeds impact God. We take up Jesus’ way because ultimately it is a primary way by which we “give glory to [our] Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). Jesus believes this way of life honors God. We pursue better connections with people, a greater piety, and a more appropriate stewardship of possessions because of how these show our love for the Lord our God. We seek a Sermon-on-the-Mount existence for the sake of God.
Yet this is not Jesus’ only reason for urging us to adopt his alternative lifestyle. Jesus believes that such a life not only gives glory to God. It also gives hope to the world. Simply put, this Sermon-on-the-Mount conduct becomes the salt so desperately needed by a decaying people and the light so longed for by those dwelling in the dark (Matt. 5:13-14). We pursue a better connection with people, a greater piety, and a more appropriate stewardship of possessions because of how these show our love for our neighbor. They are the ways in which God uses us to rebuild and revitalize the lives of all who exist on planet earth. We seek a Sermon-on-the-Mount existence not only for the sake of God. But also for the sake of the world.
Here’s the big idea: spiritual formation is not merely done for my sake. It’s not like a diet I start or an exercise routine I commit to so that I may experience self-improvement. Further, it is not solely done for God’s sake. Allowing Jesus to rewrite the story of my life so that my narrative and the Sermon on the Mount narrative become one is not undertaken solely to bring honor to the Father in heaven. Spiritual formation is never pursued just for me or just for God. It is also pursued for my neighbor. It is also pursued for the sake of the world. The more transformation we experience in the areas of people, piety, and possessions, the better we function as the salt and light of the earth. Sure, we may enjoy some self-improvement. Yes, we will give glory to God. But we will also become the world-changers we were created to be.
What do you see as the difference between spiritual formation done for my sake and spiritual formation done for the world’s sake?
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