Really! Are you very sure? Equally cogent... do you practice this? Do you really know what this means? Or do you allow others to tell you? It has always been a great ploy of our enemy which is meant to subdue us. It is never a reason to deny or compromise Who we believe and what He stands for. I wonder if we always realize this...
Let's start with the scripture:
"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for
a tooth [punishment that fits the offense].’ But I say to you, do not
resist an evil person [who insults you or violates your rights]; but
whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the other toward him
also [simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not
bother to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your
poise]. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have
your coat also [for the Lord repays the offender]. And whoever
forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks
of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from
you." (Matthew 5:38-42. MSG)
I believe this is an attitude issue - how we should act toward one another. :You did see the explanation - yes? If not
"simply ignore insignificant insults or trivial losses and do not bother
to retaliate—maintain your dignity, your self-respect, your poise "
You also saw the point that the Lord repays the offender - you have no need to.
Turning the other cheek has a different context than we thought? I base this on an early verse in this chapter
"Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out
the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re
going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you
light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket,
do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there
on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous
with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open
up with God, this generous Father in heaven." (v. 15)
Is this merely the age old argument about taking things literally or figuratively? Is our enemy using scripture to promote his agenda - telling us that the scripture is figurative when it's literal and vice versa? Of course. Remember he knows scripture probably better than we do. ALWAYS look at the context the words were spoken in. Were they more of a 'command' or were they illustrative of the teaching? Totally different mindsets.
You want a good motivation for your life, the foundation from which you speak and act? How 'turn the other cheek' can be behavioral? Look no further than Galatians 5:6-22-23, AMP. I realize that we focus on the fruit of the spirit, but there's a reason for this. I believe that these words show us the behaviors we should utilize as 'turning our cheek' (italics):
"But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be
responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry
out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively
without regard for God and His precepts]. For the sinful nature
has its desire which is opposed to the Spirit, and the [desire of
the] Spirit opposes the sinful nature; for these [two, the sinful
nature and the Spirit] are in direct opposition to each other
[continually in conflict], so that you [as believers] do not [always]
do whatever [good things] you want to do. But if you are guided
and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law. Now the
practices of the sinful nature are clearly evident: they are sexual
immorality, impurity, sensuality (total irresponsibility, lack of self-
control), idolatry, sorcery, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger,
disputes, dissensions, factions [that promote heresies], envy,
drunkenness, riotous behavior, and other things like these. I
warn you beforehand, just as I did previously, that those who
practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
[And the replacement]
But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is
love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience
[not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things
there is no law."
If you don't feel this is a rationale, a basis for having the Fruit of the Spirit as you foundation... then, minimally, look at it as a powerful motivation for who you are and how you act. And, if you are ever taunted with a 'I thought you were a Christian and that you should turn your cheek'... test the spirits (1 John 4:1). Is this what the Lord is telling you to do? If it's to compromise your stand, it's not! Attitude and behavioral - turning the cheek is important but look to the context. Then ask yourself... is there ever a time or place that turning your cheek IS appropriate? The answer is 'yes'. When and how..........
No comments:
Post a Comment