The Kingdom is a Matter of the Heart, Part 4

Jesus gave ten examples to help us understand that the kingdom is a matter of the heart. We will explore three more here. Because they are examples, the “doing” of these sayings is easier to identify – and that is a good thing. However, we must remember that Jesus’ focus remains on our hearts, not our performance; the goal is to be made into kingdom citizens, not to make or justify ourselves.

Do Not Swear at All

Most of Jesus’ sayings in the Sermon on the Mount – you know, those sayings we are to do – are truly beyond our human ability. They are only accomplished by the life of Jesus Christ, the One who has come to live in us. Here we find an exception – one saying that appears quite easy to obey. And yet, mankind has amazingly chosen to do something in complete opposition to what Jesus has said. Truly, how do we excuse ourselves?

Consider the matter of oath taking. Jesus said:

Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. Matthew 5:33-37

Could anything be more clear? Whatever is more than our “yes” and “no” is from the evil one. Why then do so many followers of Jesus Christ submit to the courts of this nation, put one hand on a Bible, raise the other, and swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Is this not taking an oath? Does it make it okay – or does it make it worse – that a Bible is used in this process?

These questions lead us to a deeper kingdom principle; something deeper than dos and don’ts. For those with eyes to see, this is a great example of the subtly of the evil one’s deception; leading to our conformity to the world.

The Pastor as Workplace Leader – The Paradigm Challenge

A paradigm is a pattern or model we use when considering – and responding to – the world around us. Workplace Leaders operate out of their paradigms. For the most part, paradigms are a matter of the mind, exposed by what we believe, confess, and do.

The Scriptural term for paradigm is mindset. Our paradigms should be an expression of “things above” (Colossians 3:2). Paradigms set on the things of this world are dangerous paradigms to have. They cause us to operate in ways that are contrary to the will of God.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Our pursuit of the will of God requires the renewing of our mind – the regular, even continual, transformation of our paradigms. God has made a way for this, and He has graciously given us a Transformer.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2Corinthians 3:18

While we are not the primary agent of our transformation, we must be diligent in our participation. It is important to recognize our role in the renewal process. We must set our minds on things above; particularly the glory of the Lord. We must submit to the Holy Spirit’s work. We have been given the mind of Jesus Christ; and we should use it by exclusively seeking the thoughts and ways of God.