Sunday, March 12, 2023

The Teachers of the Law and the Pharisees probably had a culture of convenience and a system of showing off by which they tithed on the tangibles. But Jesus points out that it is worthless unless “the more important matters” are paid attention to — justice, mercy, and faithfulness — involving interpersonal relationships wherein we value people as made in the image of God, even when that image is marred by sin. The Greatest Commandment Jesus gave in Matt. 22 includes, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Here in India, Christians are a minority. The people around us may not read the four Gospels, so we have to be the fifth Gospel. Showing the love of Christ to all in our lives is more important than any words we can say. Think about what God classifies as the important matters in your life. Those deserve our priority, resources, and action. Say no to the culture of convenience. Develop a culture of commitment!

Haggai brought about a paradigm shift in my life and taught me there is no secular or sacred. Everything is sacred as we work unto the Lord, reflecting Him wherever we are placed. We are Salt and Light.