The famous “Sermon on the Mount” takes up chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Matthew, and as I read chapter 5 the other day, a central theme emerged. One of my math professors might have called it an “obviosity.” (Wow, I just found out that’s really a word!) Anyway, what’s obvious?

Jesus expects his followers to be different from other people.

Really?

• Salt

Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth... (Matthew 5.13, MSG)

• Light

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world… (Matthew 5.14, MSG)

• Righteousness that EXCEEDS that of the scribes and Pharisees:

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5.20, ESV)

For example (Matthew 5.21 – 48):

• Don’t just not murder, don’t even be angry
• Don’t just not commit adultery, don’t look lustfully
• Don’t divorce your wife because you’re tired of her
• Don’t make vows because your word is your bond
• Don’t take revenge, submit
• Don’t just love your neighbor, love your enemy also
• A lifestyle that’s different…that’s MORE:

And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? (Matthew 5.47, ESV)

My friend Bill Mowry just posted an article on Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren. In it she quotes Augustine supporting what I’m writing here:

. . . following Augustine, [who] argues that to be alternative people is to be formed differently — to take up practices and habits that aim our love and desire toward God.

We are to be “alternative people.”

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5.16, ESV)

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. (Philippians 2.14, 15, ESV)