Jesus’ second everyday example of his reframed spirituality is an invitation to avoid adultery by loving another. Yes, you heard that right. When we are busy loving another, we do not commit adultery. Let me explain.
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From Murder to Meekness
Guiding the people from murder to meekness is the first in a series of examples exploring Jesus’ reframed spirituality. These everyday applications unpack how embodying the Beatitudes does two things. One, it serves as societal salt or light. Two, it creates blessed happiness for the disciple. Jesus does this by reframing the common teachings from the Law given by Moses.
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Reframing Spirituality
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is reframing spirituality in his day. He opens with the Beatitudes, eight realities embraced and embodied by those living in the Kingdom of Heaven. He then identifies how living into these truths limits chaos, exposes injustice, calls for repentance, and truly fulfills the heart of the Law. But as much as these words challenged popular belief in Jesus’ day, it is nothing compared to today. There is a reason for that.
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More Righteous
Jesus closes the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount by telling the people they need to be more righteous. His actual words translate as, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
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Light of the World
Being the light of the world, like being the salt of the earth, describes the broad social impact of disciples who embody the Beatitudes. As we explored yesterday, serving as the salt focuses on everyday lived experiences. Being the light of the world is ultimately an act of truth telling that prompts change.
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