Jesus doesn’t ask us to seek to be loved, but rather to reach out in love. I’m asked not to point to myself, but to the other. Our primary focus must be self-gift, not self-get. That’s always a challenge, because so many factors are competing for our attention and time and energy, so many distractions to keep us from focusing on our most important priorities.
The question that Jesus puts before us is, where does my ultimate allegiance lie—with God or with my possessions? The answer to that question will determine how I face the world, interpret the world, and interact with the world.
It seems to me that a lot of people use religion to justify their outlook on people and culture and politics. They have come to believe certain things, and then look to their faith and to Scripture to justify their convictions. I think this is putting the cart before the horse.
Our starting point, I believe, should be our faith. What is the gospel message? How would Jesus react in a certain situation? What would he advise? What would he condemn? What would he ask his disciples to do? And then, how should I live in the world so that my viewpoints and my involvement, my morality and my politics, my outlook on the world—all grow from an appreciation of the gospel message and a commitment to live in the spirit of Christ? That’s the direction in which we need to move, if we hope to achieve a more just and loving world and a more hope-filled future.
“I will sing forever of your mercies, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity.” (Psalm 89:2)
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