Incredibly Challenged By Jesus' Words...

As I read the words of Jesus I can't help but feel completely challenged. Not only are His words counter-culture, but they're so often opposite of our will and what we'd do. His words are so radical as they oppose traditions and the norm, that they cause you to examine your very own heart and motives for doing things the way you do them. Take for instance this passage of Scripture in Matthew 5:38-44, "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you..." These few words contradict everything that we hear in culture. It contradicts the norms and everything else. However, if I call myself a Christian, how I live and what I say shouldn't remind others of what everyone else does. It should remind people of Jesus. My prayer today is that I could live as Jesus did. Living the words He spoke by God's grace. Yes His words are challenging to the core, yet in them is found truth and life :)