A New Way
The ‘original’ name for the Church was “The Way” because it expressed not only the ‘way’ to heaven, but a way of life. God came to show us a new way of living, not one bound by rules and regulations, but by love and grace. Sometimes I think the Church should have kept the name.
The new way of living was more than just what they believed about God. What they believed about God affected how the interacted with others. As with everything we believe to be true, belief affects behavior. This is the essence of today’s lesson from Saint Paul.
Brethren, having this ministry as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. We have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways; we refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of truth we would commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
2nd Corinthians 4-1.12
The early Christians ‘new way’ was to refuse to follow the ‘same old standard practice’ of cheating and stealing. The ‘new way’ was to treat everyone with love and dignity, no matter who they were or how they believed. They were mocked by the elites for their ‘new way.’
Not everyone mocked them. Some elites, but many everyday folks noticed the ‘new way’ and began to ask questions. Many wanted to know what ‘made these strange people’ act the way they acted. “The Way” gained the attention of the masses.
“The Way” wasn’t attractive because it was counterculture, although it was. It was attractive because it gave a sense of hope to those who didn’t know hope in society. Even though the elites mocked it, “The Way” was gaining force in the world, and the Church blossomed.
Being reminded of this story can help us today in two ways. First, it reminds us that we are following a different way of life from the world. Our way of life treats every human being with dignity, love and grace. Our way of life brings hope rather than oppression.
Second, it shows us how to ‘grow the Church’ for the glory of God. If our life isn’t drawing the attention of average folks, then we are missing the goal of letting our “light shine” so others can see the glory of God.
None of this matter if our choices, our standards, and our relationships follow the worldly way instead of God’s way. If our business and social ethics cannot be distinguished from non-believers, we aren’t following God’s way.
When we say “Live A New Life In Christ” we aren’t just talking about calling ourselves Christians. We are talking about our ethics, our standards, our business practices, and most especially our relationships with non-believers. Does our light shine or not?
I offer no answer today. I offer only a chance to reflect. What ‘way’ do you follow?
