A call to higher conduct

In a world that often encourages self-interest and retaliation, we are called to a higher standard of living - one that reflects the values of God's kingdom. This call challenges us to think differently, act differently, and ultimately, to be different from the prevailing culture around us.

As followers of Christ, we are more than just individuals navigating through life; we are kingdom people. This identity carries with it a responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that represents our King. But what does this look like in practical terms?

1. Being People of Our Word

In an age where promises are easily made and just as easily broken, we are challenged to be people who keep our word. This goes beyond simply fulfilling our obligations; it's about being truthful, trustworthy, and reliable in all our interactions.

Consider the weight of a promise. When we make a promise, we are essentially giving our oath. In biblical times, people would often swear by things they held in high regard - heaven, earth, or even their own heads. But Jesus teaches us a radical simplicity: "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.'" Anything beyond this, He says, comes from evil.

This teaching calls us to a level of integrity where our word alone is sufficient. Imagine a society where no one's word ever needed an oath to guarantee its truth, and no promise ever required an oath to ensure its fulfillment. This is the ideal we are called to embody as kingdom people.

2. Resisting the Desire to Retaliate

Resisting the natural urge to retaliate when wronged is one of the most challenging aspects of kingdom living. Jesus addresses this head-on, challenging the old adage of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" with a radical new approach.

He tells us, "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." In the cultural context of the time, a slap on the right cheek was a deep insult. Yet, Jesus calls us to respond not with anger or revenge but with a willingness to endure further insult.

This principle extends beyond physical confrontations. Jesus gives examples of being sued for your tunic (give your cloak as well), being forced to go one mile (go two), and being asked to give (don't refuse to lend). Each of these scenarios presents an opportunity to respond in a way that defies worldly wisdom but aligns with kingdom values.

The challenge here is clear: when insulted, don't insult back. When taken advantage of, don't seek revenge. This approach isn't about being a doormat; it's about breaking the cycle of retaliation and demonstrating a different way of living.

3. Loving Our Enemies

Perhaps the most radical of Jesus' teachings in this context is the call to love our enemies. This goes against every natural instinct we have. Love those who hate us? Bless those who curse us? Do good to those who mistreat us? It seems impossible, yet this is exactly what we're called to do.

Jesus points out that loving those who love us is easy - even tax collectors (considered the lowest of the low in that society) do that. The true test of our character comes in how we treat those who don't treat us well.

This teaching challenges us to see beyond the immediate situation. When someone cuts us off in traffic or speaks harshly to us, our natural reaction might be anger or a desire to retaliate. But what if we chose to respond with kindness instead? What if we chose to pray for that person rather than curse them?

The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in Romans 12, urging us to "overcome evil with good." He reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, not us. Our role is to live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on us.

Living Out Kingdom Values

Living out these principles isn't easy. It requires a daily commitment to prepare our hearts, to think before we speak or act, and to consistently choose the higher road. It means sometimes biting our tongue, swallowing our pride, and choosing to love even when it's the last thing we feel like doing.

But here's the crucial point: this isn't about us. As kingdom people, we represent the King of Kings. Our conduct, whether positive or negative, reflects on Him. When we respond to insults with kindness, when we keep our word even when it's inconvenient, and when we love those who are difficult to love, we demonstrate a different way of living that points to something greater than ourselves.

This different way of living should set us apart not just from unbelievers but also from who we were before we encountered Christ. It's a transformation that should be evident in our words, actions, and attitudes.

A Call to Reflection and Action

As we reflect on these teachings, let's ask ourselves some hard questions:

- How seriously do I take my word? Am I known as someone who can be trusted to follow through on what I say?
- When wronged, what is my first instinct? How can I train myself to respond with grace rather than retaliation?
- Who are the "enemies" in my life? How can I actively demonstrate love towards them?

Living as kingdom people is a daily challenge, but it's also an incredible opportunity. Every interaction, every decision, and every word spoken is a chance to reflect the character of our King and to demonstrate a different way of living to a watching world.

Let's commit to being people who keep our word, who resist retaliation, and who love even those who are difficult to love. In doing so, we don't just change our own lives - we become agents of change in the world around us, pointing others to the transformative power of the kingdom we represent.