Lent Talk 6 - Living under Two Umbrellas
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Matt’s Picture
The Talk
1. THE PICTURE
2. The TALK
(click here for a PDF version)
Image this all under two umbrellas: Loving God and Loving Others:
1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind.
Hence: Prayer and Scripture-reading
Live like it happened.
2. Love your neighbour as yourself.
Hence: Deep Vulnerable Community and Service
Live like it matters.
And do all because you’re an ‘exodus people’ who were saved out of slavery.
For us as Christians we are similarly saved by the cross.
Hence in Luke’s gospel (Luke 10.25-37) when the lawyer comes to Jesus to ask ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life’ it’s just assumed that these are the greatest commandments and are the correct answer – there’s no argument about it. The only issue is ‘well, who is my neighbour’ – and Jesus gives that one a clear answer: essentially ‘look out for those who are on the edge, who are marginalised by those who have wealth and power, who feel they’re valueless and are regarded by everyone as having no dignity – and give them care, compassion, attention, support.’
Note they actually have value and dignity already by virtue of being part of creation, people who God cares for: it’s not for us to bestow these things but simply to restore them where they’ve been taken away.
The Christian life
The Christian life involves both:
· Knowing the story (e.g. the Exodus, the Cross)
· Living like it happened (with holiness and purpose)
Holiness has two sides:
· Moral excellence – not living from vice.
· Dignity for others – recognising the value of the marginalised, not bestowing worth but affirming their inherent God-given dignity.
This is the heart of discipleship.
Spiritual Disciplines and Formation
These disciplines aren't about manufacturing ‘spiritual experience’ but forming character:
· They help us live like the story matters.
· They create space where, in God’s freedom, transformation happens.
Keep doing these things and you will have occasional ‘spiritual experiences’. But don’t expect these are normal, and don’t psych yourself up to create them: God’s expectation is that we will simply keep doing these things because we do them, and because we practice obedience.
Final Encouragement from Colossians 3
Put on love, kindness, humility, and patience. Let Christ’s peace rule in your heart. Let God’s word dwell richly among you.
Whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Everything—work, rest, habits—can become spiritual discipline if done with gratitude and in alignment with Christ.