Thank you for speaking out in this world! Thank you for caring for Richard, and in so doing, also for the cops in that situation. Sounds like a modern parable to me. Geez, that might mean that Christianity is a living, breathing, evolving thing that is not crystallized in an institution or in the past.
As for the contradictions, I wonder if Jesus (like many other wise teachers) responded skilfully to what was needed in each situation and for each person involved? Can’t make a hard rule out of that approach.
My brother was a Presbyterian minister in Plainview TX for ten years before he died. He was a long-haired motorcycle riding jazz-piano playing liberal, and his ultra conservative rural Texan congregation adored him. I desperately wish he was here so that we could discuss your essays. You remind me so much of him.
Both, all, are good answers. Sometimes you have to be the light. Sometimes you get the best results by doing your work anonymously. My guideline is, what does the most good for the people I need to help? Nobody said this would be easy.
One of our family's favorite quotes to throw around is from a tortilla commercial, "Porque no dos?!" Exactly. I think you're onto something saying it's probably both. Circumstances change, answers change. People change, answers change. There are very few things that remain true no matter what the circumstances. That's why there were so many rabbinical discussions. If it were cut and dry, why would it need to be discussed?
Some of the better things I've done, I don't advertise, but I don't lie about them if they come up. And because of that, I've actually seen them constectively affect others because they are known (vs advertised).
I'm glad you didn't hide your light under a bushel because that story about dear Richard is gold. 💝
I don’t think the two instructions are contradictory. I interpret the “let your light shine” as being for the group as a whole. Set an example. And the “do good work in secret” is to the individual.
I feel like if you let your inner light shine then you don't need to talk about your good works, people will see. To me this always felt like a case of your actions speak louder than your words.
I think maybe it’s all about motive, yeh? Don’t hide your light under a bushel just do the right thing…but do it because it’s the right thing not so you can brag about it later to get attaboygirls from all your pals on the interwebs. ACT the example, teach your children, live according to your principles as best you can. (You will fall short here and there. Forgive yourself and keep trying.)
I agree that is both/and, but not confusion - just different situations. Private situation (like giving), don't brag about it. Public situation (like helping your friend), people are seeing your light. Main point: no need to make a big deal. Just do the good you know you should do. And if you get it wrong? Jesus’s sermon is not about what to do to avoid punishment or hell, it’s about how you should try to act. God made us, so he knows we are fallible. That's why we are saved by grace.
Ah, so God’s grand plan is more like improv night at a cosmic comedy club? One moment it’s “shine your light before men,” and the next it’s “hide your good deeds like you’re smuggling snacks into a movie theater.” Maybe Jesus was just figuring it out on the fly—like the rest of us, but with better wine.
And honestly, a God who sometimes wings it? That’s more comforting than a divine tyrant with a checklist. If the Almighty can have a change of heart, maybe it’s okay when we do too. Both is good.
Thank you for speaking out in this world! Thank you for caring for Richard, and in so doing, also for the cops in that situation. Sounds like a modern parable to me. Geez, that might mean that Christianity is a living, breathing, evolving thing that is not crystallized in an institution or in the past.
As for the contradictions, I wonder if Jesus (like many other wise teachers) responded skilfully to what was needed in each situation and for each person involved? Can’t make a hard rule out of that approach.
My brother was a Presbyterian minister in Plainview TX for ten years before he died. He was a long-haired motorcycle riding jazz-piano playing liberal, and his ultra conservative rural Texan congregation adored him. I desperately wish he was here so that we could discuss your essays. You remind me so much of him.
Both, all, are good answers. Sometimes you have to be the light. Sometimes you get the best results by doing your work anonymously. My guideline is, what does the most good for the people I need to help? Nobody said this would be easy.
One of our family's favorite quotes to throw around is from a tortilla commercial, "Porque no dos?!" Exactly. I think you're onto something saying it's probably both. Circumstances change, answers change. People change, answers change. There are very few things that remain true no matter what the circumstances. That's why there were so many rabbinical discussions. If it were cut and dry, why would it need to be discussed?
Some of the better things I've done, I don't advertise, but I don't lie about them if they come up. And because of that, I've actually seen them constectively affect others because they are known (vs advertised).
I'm glad you didn't hide your light under a bushel because that story about dear Richard is gold. 💝
I love the “you’ve been Monked” from the cop.
I don’t think the two instructions are contradictory. I interpret the “let your light shine” as being for the group as a whole. Set an example. And the “do good work in secret” is to the individual.
I feel like if you let your inner light shine then you don't need to talk about your good works, people will see. To me this always felt like a case of your actions speak louder than your words.
I think maybe it’s all about motive, yeh? Don’t hide your light under a bushel just do the right thing…but do it because it’s the right thing not so you can brag about it later to get attaboygirls from all your pals on the interwebs. ACT the example, teach your children, live according to your principles as best you can. (You will fall short here and there. Forgive yourself and keep trying.)
I agree that is both/and, but not confusion - just different situations. Private situation (like giving), don't brag about it. Public situation (like helping your friend), people are seeing your light. Main point: no need to make a big deal. Just do the good you know you should do. And if you get it wrong? Jesus’s sermon is not about what to do to avoid punishment or hell, it’s about how you should try to act. God made us, so he knows we are fallible. That's why we are saved by grace.
I love your perspective Nathan!
Ah, so God’s grand plan is more like improv night at a cosmic comedy club? One moment it’s “shine your light before men,” and the next it’s “hide your good deeds like you’re smuggling snacks into a movie theater.” Maybe Jesus was just figuring it out on the fly—like the rest of us, but with better wine.
And honestly, a God who sometimes wings it? That’s more comforting than a divine tyrant with a checklist. If the Almighty can have a change of heart, maybe it’s okay when we do too. Both is good.