It’s The Way

"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." — Matthew 5:20 (spoken by Jesus Christ.)

Above is the central thesis in the greatest sermon ever preached — the Sermon on the Mount. This short three-chapter sermon is the greatest in all history. Jesus, shortly after his baptism and temptation, preached a sermon that shocked the people of his day. It is full of precious wisdom, including some of his greatest teachings on prayer, obedience, and the path to real joy. But Jesus' central driving point was this — that following God is not solely a set of beliefs for knowing morality. It's not just instruction for personal inspiration. It's not merely a rule for justifying righteousness. It is, however, the "way of life." While you bear the title "Christian," bearing this title and living out the title are two very different things — just like belief and believing are different. Today live out your title and give it meaning. "Christian," after all, means "one who follows the way of Christ."

DO THIS: Live out your righteousness and exceed belief alone.

PRAYER: God, I am committing today to live it your ways, even when it's challenging. Show me your ways at each turn.