The most necessary gift

I've found myself reflecting of late on a number of things that Jesus said and did, and at least one passage written in His name, and how they relate to this wonderful feast of Pentecost, celebrated last Sunday. This will likely tie into some of my posts of the last several months.

This guy (sorry, Lord, for applying such an ordinary term to You) - who some people claim had no agenda other than to free us of the burden of religion - said and inspired things like:

- If you love me, you will keep my commands
- But I say, whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart
- If your brother strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the left, as well
- (forgive) . . . seventy times seven times
- Be perfect, as my heavenly Father is perfect
- Love one another as I have loved you
- As the Father has sent me, so I send you
- Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church
- You shall love the Lord, your God, with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole strength, and your whole mind (emphasis mine; which of us manages the whole part?)

Do these things sound like a lessening of our burden, with regard to religion? And yet, I agree that they are! How can this be?

Firstly, our chief burden is not that of adhering to the rules. Rather, it is our own sin, its eternal effect upon us - from which Christ has delivered us by his sacrifice, offered once for all - plus its effects in this world, which are not so escapable!

Secondly, Jesus doesn't expect us any person to live up to these standards by our own effort. Rather, God Himself dwells within us when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives. This Spirit is the flame of God's love, and breathes the eternal life of God's love into us. The most physically, intellectually, and emotionally gifted person, determined to strive with all their being to live up to the sort of standards listed above, will fail. But the humblest person, knowing him/herself utterly unable of living as we are called, who simply trusts in and follows God's Spirit (who never contradicts Christ's teaching, btw) dwelling within, will be seen to succeed beyond their dreams, even if they themselves remain aware only of their shortcomings.

The primary goal of the Spirit-filled life is not to live as we ought, but to draw us deeper into right relationship with God (which will encompass our relationships with others, as well). Living as we are called is the result of being transformed into God's sons and daughters by the Holy Spirit, and is the means of the Spirit's further transformation.