I am a notoriously fast driver! I think it has to do with patience. I am not very patient either and I hate being late. PLUS, I am pretty competitive, I have defeated my GPS multiple times. Many of you know what I am talking about. You set your GPS for your final destination, and then you sense the challenge of BEATING THE TIME to reach that destination. Well, that's me! The only time I was ever really cautious, following the speed limit signs or even less, was when I was hauling our Fifth Wheel. That 30,000 pounds was not easy to stop and the times I had to, literally, lock up the brakes to get the dually and the home whoa'd to a complete stop, made me extremely cautious while I was towing. But, you get me out on the Indian, the truck, or even my ancient S10, I am a lead foot.

Why do they make traffic laws? Believe it or not, they are made to keep people from being crazy behind the wheel. There is a reason why the speed limit is 30mph in downtown Bluffton, versus 70mph on the interstate. There are not many pedestrians, kids, or pets out on I-69. Most man made laws are designed to keep order and to protect the public from people that just don't have a high level of common sense. 

Today I read the three chapters of Scripture commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5-7 is a great summary of the teachings of Jesus. If you want to know what the heart of God, read these three chapters. If I could be so bold to summarize those teachings, I would say it is all about loving people and loving God. Jesus as much as said that in the following verses:

"Do unto others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets." (Matthew 7:12) 

If you look at the entirety of this three chapter message from Jesus, God wants us to live radically different than the sinful world we are a part of. He wants us to be a light, to do MORE than just obey the law. He wants us to go beyond do not murder and do not steal. He wants us to ACTUALLY Love each other. He wants us to follow through with our commitments to each other, to respect and honor our wives, our families, and yes, OUR ENEMIES! He wants us to build a lasting eternal relationship with Him. He wants us to communicate with Him, rely upon Him, seek His will, seek His guidance, ask, and when life gets difficult, trust in Him. When we really Love God and Love People, we get to reap the rewards mentioned in verses 1-10 in chapter 5. (highlighted)

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the earth.

God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God.

God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 

God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." (Matthew 5:3-12)

Being Poor in spirit, relying upon God, mourning for others, living with a humility, seeking justice for all, being merciful in dealing with mistakes, have a true heart for people and God, pursuing peace, doing the right thing regardless of the consequences, and offering grace to those who persecute us, those are the things that God desires. Blindly following laws, checking off a list of right and wrongs don't say anything about our heart. 

God promises us our rewards will be in heaven, with him, if we can just pursue the attitudes shared in this powerful message. It might be a great resolution for 2025, 

"Pursue the attitude of the Sermon on the Mount!"

Heavenly Father, I lead us in the path of righteousness for your sake. Give us your heart. Fill us with your spirit as we interact with family, friends, and enemies throughout 2025. We cannot do this without your amazing grace, mercy, and your powerful right hand. We love you and pray we get to spend more and more time with you in the days ahead!

Amen!