HOW'S THAT WORKING FOR YOU?

3-9-2011. . . .HOW'S THAT WORKING FOR YOU?

"If someone slaps you on one cheek, let him slap the other too! If someone demands your coat, give him your shirt besides.  Give what you have to anyone who asks you for it; and when things are taken away from you, don't worry about getting them back.  Treat others as you want them to treat you. (Luke 6:29-31 TLB)  How's that working for you?  For many of us if we are honest, not very well.  As much as we would like for this scripture to be analogous, metaphorical, or even hypothetical, it is literal.  Real effort must be put toward achieving the kind of attitude and demeanor that would have us literally turn the other cheek if smacked in the face.  Can't be done, you say?  Look at Jesus' example prior to and during the crucifixion?  I hear you..."Well, I'm not Jesus!"    No, but strive to be like Him!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the example you have given us and for showing us how to live.  Despite the difficulties of following your perfect example, Help us achieve success in so doing!  Amen.

Phil 2:5-11. . . .Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men.  And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal's death on a cross.  Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  TLB