Jesus continues to speak this Sermon on the Mount through the second half of the seventh chapter of Matthew by stating, “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12, NASB). This one verse can be separated out from the context of the verses surrounding it and it can be the answer for almost every situation in life. If you want people to think well of you, then think well of them. If you want people to like you, then like them. If you want people to be nice to you, then be nice to them. It can be that one perfect statement that we all needed to hear. But, what if this statement was done in continuation of the topic of giving from the previous verses?

It would simply also be adding to the list mentioned above to state that we should give to others by the same measure we would desire they give to us in our needs. To me, I look at this entire topic of finance and that of this Sermon on the Mount to come back to the topic of self. We all know that we must have finances to survive in this world. The question I ask is; is our focus on making money to have all we believe we need? Is our focus on building enough of a surplus to cover the rainiest of the rainiest days? Or are we focused on God and the furtherance of His Kingdom?

For Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate” (Matt. 7:13a, NASB). This is the gate that leads to “life” meaning life eternal, or stated better as being heaven. Jesus continues to say that only a few find it (Matt. 7:14). The number of people who are able to be obedient to these teachings of selflessness is small; therefore Jesus speaks to what is most important to us, our money. However, this is not a teaching on just giving everything away! We are not to give to those dogs and swine. We must hear the voice of God and discern these situations. Life is in His voice!

Now realize who Jesus is speaking to in this sermon. He is speaking to those who are already convinced of who He is as being from God. He is speaking to the church. When Jesus says that few will enter into His kingdom, He is saying that few in the church will be entering His Kingdom because of their selfishness. How can you tell if they, or you, are selfish? What kind of fruit are you bearing? Ask earnestly and be willing to repent if the Spirit shows you a flaw! Build your house on the rock as I desire to see you in heaven!

I desire to live by faith, and faith alone!