An Encouraging Word from Pastor Herb
‘Remember What Really Matters’
Luke 6:27-29 – 27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
The devil likes to get us so distracted that we start fighting battles that don’t really matter, or talking about things that won’t bless anyone or help get anybody saved. He knows that if he can keep us distracted, and fighting each other, we won’t have the time or energy to fight him. That’s why it’s so important for us to remember what really matters. In the text we’re looking at today, Jesus gives us a list of commandments that go against the logic of most people. He tells us that if we are going to remember what really matters, there are some things that we should ignore!
I. Ignore Some Insults: Vs 27-28
Loving your enemies is only possible in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the natural, we want to hate those who hate us and do bad things to those who hurt us. But Jesus turns that way of thinking upside down. The natural response to those who curse us is to curse them out. But Jesus says if you are going to reach your destiny and become all that God wants you to become, you are going to have to ignore some insults! You don’t have time to waste responding to people who throw insults at you, who are never going to be for you, or who will never like you. Ignore criticism from those who don’t advise you.
II. Ignore Some Battles: Vs 29A
Jesus then says if someone strikes you on the cheek, offer them the other one also. That’s not easy to do. We want to fight with those who throw punches at us. We want to fight back when we are attacked. But the truth is some battles are not worth fighting. I heard someone say a pit bull dog can beat a skunk any day of the week, but he realizes that it’s not worth the stink. That should be our attitude as well. There are times when you have to let God fight your battles. There are times when you have to let God vindicate you. The battle is not always yours; it’s always the Lord’s!
III. Ignore Some Losses: Vs 29B
Jesus concludes our text by telling us if someone takes away our cloak, that we should also allow them to have our tunic. Do you know that there are some things that are not worth fighting for? How many people have lost their lives fighting to keep some material possession? A person tries to take your car, and you are so determined not to let them get away with it that you are run over and killed. A person tries to take your wallet, and you are so determined to hold on to it that you are shot and killed. Material things can be replaced, but your life cannot!
Be willing to ignore some losses. Some things are simply not worth fighting over!
