The Company We Keep…
In Matthew 5 Jesus includes two thoughts that bookend the chapter. When connected, there is a truth presented that remains very relevant to modern Christians: Who’s company will we strive to keep?
Matt 5: 12b …And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
Matt 5: 46 – 47 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. (NLT)
The big question is the company we choose to associate ourselves with. Sure, we’d love to be recognized right up there with the greats of the Old Testament. The Prophets were, after all, God’s messengers. Being held in the same esteem as Micah, Daniel, or Elijah would be amazing. Of course, Jesus includes the caveat that persecution follows such titles.
On the other hand are the tax collectors and pagans. Now, no good, weekly attending, Sunday clothes owning Christian would claim the company and labeling of these folks. But if we look closely at our habits, priorities, and the way we love… well, it is painfully obvious that much of Christianity in the United States looks more like tax collectors and pagans than the Prophets.
Radical love, like the love Jesus displays throughout the entirety of the Bible, is a hard practice to perfect. We cannot continually allow ourselves to dismiss the command to love our enemies, to pray for those set against us… And to be “perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect (Matt 5: 48).
It’s time to look very different from the world, no matter the cost.