You are the salt of the earth, ... You are the light of the world...
Matt. 5: 13...14
Recently, my wife and I watched the movie, Les Miserables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.
The story is about a man, Jean Valjean, who is imprisoned for stealing bread. The story takes place in early 19th century France. Prison life is hard, mean and ugly and turns Jean Valjean into a mean and vile man. He is released from prison after 20 years but his papers mark him as a convict and no one will give him food, lodging or employment. One night a Catholic priest takes him in and feeds him and gives him a place to sleep. During the night Jean Valjean gets up and begins to steal silverware and then clubs the priest on the head when the priest unexpectedly catches him in the act. The next day the authorities catch Jean Valjean with the stolen goods and bring him back to the priest. The priest covers for Jean Valjean, telling the authorities that the silverware was not stolen, but rather he gave it to Jean Valjean and then admonishes Jean Valjean because he did not also take the silver candlesticks which he wanted him to have. The authorities, based upon the priest's testimony, let him go free. Valjean is astonished by the priest's act of kindness and redemption in the face of the evil he perpetrated upon him and from that day he proceeds to turn his life around.
The story reminded me how delicate and fragile the balance is between good and evil in this world and within our own hearts; how the hardness of prison life turned Jean Valjean into much less of a person than he could be and then how one single act of undeserved kindness turned him into much more of a person than he ever expected to be.
Jesus said we are to be salt and light. We are to preserve goodness and flavor the world with righteousness. We do this by treating others with kindness, mercy and respect, whether deserved or undeserved. It is as simple and as difficult as that. I think we sometimes forget how powerful kindness can be; how a simple kind word in place of a biting comment can positively change someone's life; how a small act of mercy in place of indifference can warm the coldest heart. This is our calling as Christians. Read the words of Jesus and you will find that it is not really optional. But in a strange way it is not mandatory either. If it was it would not be real. Being merciful is simply what authenticates us as followers of Christ. Yes, righteous acts can in some people, hypocritically, mask a dark soul. But the reverse cannot be true. Righteous hearts must, by their nature, show kindness and mercy. Hypocrisy can find no place within a heart and a soul that Christ has made righteous.
You are the salt of the earth, ... You are the light of the world...
Matt. 5: 13...14
Recently, my wife and I watched the movie, Les Miserables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.
The story is about a man, Jean Valjean, who is imprisoned for stealing bread. The story takes place in early 19th century France. Prison life is hard, mean and ugly and turns Jean Valjean into a mean and vile man. He is released from prison after 20 years but his papers mark him as a convict and no one will give him food, lodging or employment. One night a Catholic priest takes him in and feeds him and gives him a place to sleep. During the night Jean Valjean gets up and begins to steal silverware and then clubs the priest on the head when the priest unexpectedly catches him in the act. The next day the authorities catch Jean Valjean with the stolen goods and bring him back to the priest. The priest covers for Jean Valjean, telling the authorities that the silverware was not stolen, but rather he gave it to Jean Valjean and then admonishes Jean Valjean because he did not also take the silver candlesticks which he wanted him to have. The authorities, based upon the priest's testimony, let him go free. Valjean is astonished by the priest's act of kindness and redemption in the face of the evil he perpetrated upon him and from that day he proceeds to turn his life around.
The story reminded me how delicate and fragile the balance is between good and evil in this world and within our own hearts; how the hardness of prison life turned Jean Valjean into much less of a person than he could be and then how one single act of undeserved kindness turned him into much more of a person than he ever expected to be.
Jesus said we are to be salt and light. We are to preserve goodness and flavor the world with righteousness. We do this by treating others with kindness, mercy and respect, whether deserved or undeserved. It is as simple and as difficult as that. I think we sometimes forget how powerful kindness can be; how a simple kind word in place of a biting comment can positively change someone's life; how a small act of mercy in place of indifference can warm the coldest heart. This is our calling as Christians. Read the words of Jesus and you will find that it is not really optional. But in a strange way it is not mandatory either. If it was it would not be real. Being merciful is simply what authenticates us as followers of Christ. Yes, righteous acts can in some people, hypocritically, mask a dark soul. But the reverse cannot be true. Righteous hearts must, by their nature, show kindness and mercy. Hypocrisy can find no place within a heart and a soul that Christ has made righteous.