Suited Up

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. — 2 Corinthians 10:4

This morning I ran in the rain. I was surprised and heartened to see so many others out in raincoats, facing the weather, walking their dogs. I think this is what Paul calls for in Ephesians 6. We suit up in clothing that disciples of Jesus wear, and face the world's strongholds: systems of hatred, bondage, and every kind of injustice.

Whataboutism

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ⏤ Luke 18:11

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ⏤ 1 Timothy 1:15

Will I be like the Pharisee who excuses himself? Who exchanges God's grace for his own? Or will I be like Paul, who owns his distance from the Father and trusts Jesus for reconciliation?

Syllabus

...teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you... — Matthew 28:20a

It's tempting to teach people how to live Biblical lives. It sets me up as an authority—a master. But Jesus calls us to make disciples of him, to teach people to observe (keep, obey, guard) his commands. My primary job is to point people to Christ and tell them to obey everything he says. If they can't figure it out or don't understand, I can help. But Jesus must be centered. After all, the whole canon of scripture testifies about him.