What do I need to do to avoid sin and punishment?

30-Second Version For Busy People

The teachers of Jesus’ day focused on defining the minimum requirements of the law. Honestly, modern faith is not far off. The leading question for many goes something like, What do I need to do to avoid sin/punishment?

It's fascinating that when Jesus enters the conversation, he takes an opposite approach.

• Today's Better Thought: In a world of Hillels, be Jesus.

• Today's Better Action: Have a little pratz.

Remember, better thoughts lead to better actions, and better actions lead to better Christians.

Full Version

There's a famous story in the Talmud (the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and primary source of Jewish religious law and theology) where a prominent Gentile challenged both Shammai and Hillel to convert him by explaining the entire Torah while standing on one foot.

It was quite the challenge.

Shammai, unimpressed, scornfully swatted the man away with a stick.

Hillel, however, simply responded, "Whatever is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. This is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and learn it."

Hillel's words bear a striking resemblance to Jesus' "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7. At first glance, we might assume they're essentially saying the same thing.

But they're not.

Here's Jesus' version: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

Look closely, and you'll see Jesus actually takes the idea much further.

While Hillel's answer focuses on avoiding hateful behavior, Jesus instructs His followers to actively pursue loving behavior.

This distinction is crucial for understanding Jesus and the way of following Him.

BETTER THOUGHT

Today's better thought: In a world of Hillels, be Jesus.

In Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Ann Spangler and Lois Tverberg, the authors illustrate this key difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of other teachers like Hillel with some practical examples:

When there's a snowstorm. . .

• Hillel says: Shovel your sidewalk so no one will slip and hurt themselves.

• Jesus says: Shovel your sidewalk and then shovel your neighbor's too.

When your little sister borrows your clothes. . .

• Hillel says: Don't ransack her closet.

• Jesus says: Open your closet door and see what else she might like to wear.

When you are pinched financially. . .

• Hillel says: Don't steal.

• Jesus says: Look around to see who you could bless with resources you enjoy.

When someone annoys you. . .

• Hillel says: Don't bad mouth that person.

• Jesus says: FInd something kind to say about them.

If someone forces you to go one mile. . .

• Hillel says: Go with him.

• Jesus says: Go with him two miles.

BETTER ACTION

Today's better action: Have a little pratz.

Many modern believers, like Hillel, often get trapped in a mindset of simply avoiding unfaithfulness.

While noble, this approach often misses the mark of Jesus' teachings.

Jesus doesn't want us to live cautiously, merely reacting to protect against negative outcomes.

Instead, He calls us to take proactive actions directed toward a specific goal: bringing shalom—peace and order—to a chaotic world.

The key is this: Don't focus your energy on avoiding unfaithfulness out of fear of punishment. Instead, focus on actively engaging chaos with order, secure in your identity within God's story.

This distinction is crucial.

Don't live your life in avoidance, terrified of messing up in front of God. Rather, enthusiastically practice living out obedience, knowing that God desires to partner with you.

I challenge you this week: Identify one area in your life where you've been playing it safe, avoiding mistakes rather than pursuing godliness. Then, take one concrete step to actively engage in bringing God's order to that situation.

Let me know what you do.

BECOMING A BETTER CHRISTIAN

When Christians get better, everyone gets better. Here are a few ways I am getting better this week.

• Building a daily writing habit will change your life. One of the biggest challenges aspiring writers face is staying consistent. That’s why I’ve created a free 7-day writing course and challenge to help you strengthen your daily writing habit. Join a growing community of Christian writers and creators, and start making daily progress. Join Christian Story Lab to access the course.

• Our church is still praying for our one: a single person in our circle of influence that God is using us to reach. Have you thought of your one? Pray for God to soften their hearts to the gospel and give them the courage to share your faith with them this week.

• Tuesday marked the first anniversary of the launch of my first book, A Story on Purpose. There's confetti all around! 🥳 Maybe one day I'll get around to writing another one. Until that day, give ASOP a chance if you haven't yet.

Hit "reply" and let me know what you're doing!