When I was a child, the “golden rule” was instilled in me; “treat others as you wish to be treated.” I remember it was easy to share my four-square ball with a group of kids who didn’t include me in their game.  I remember being happy to let a classmate take the last pink cupcake, on my birthday, while I ate a blue one. Later, I found that the “golden rule” is a teaching from Jesus, but it isn’t the entire teaching.

In Luke 6:27-36, Jesus expands this rule by showing me what this looks like fleshed out; which caused my head to shake and the temptation to close my Bible quickly and pretend I had never read it. The golden rule in it’s fullness seemed a scandal and foolish to obey. Jesus’ ways are so opposite of my ways. Jesus tells me to love those who hate me or ignore me (Matt. 5:44). He tells me not to retaliate when I am struck, instead to turn the other cheek (Matt. 5:39). I am even called to give generously, even to the person who steals from me (Matt. 5:40). In the face of this teaching, I remember that I let them have the ball, so that they would play me, and I give the last pink cupcake away to get first pick on her birthday; I was not as selfless as I appeared to be, I had an agenda.

Although Paul was speaking about the scandal of the cross, this still applies to the scandal of the golden rule, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

What Jesus teaches me is the weight of love is heavy, but at the same time it is light.  I am not to only see things from my perspective but am to put on the lenses of love. By putting on these Jesus- colored glasses, that means I get to take mine off.  I get to give up the right to the way I see things. I get to give up my right to get what I deserve in this world. I get to extend gracious assumptions, mercy, and life, just as it was extended to me first. Jesus gave this wonderful heavy love to me FIRST. He teaches me and shows me what it looks like- then asks me to follow Him, and His ways of doing and being. 

This upside-down kingdom way rubs up against my entitlement, my turn-in-line, and my right-of-way; it lets me live open-handed, with my tongue held back in love. This heavy love has no agenda of acceptance, self-righteousness, condemnation, or rulership. It requires me to bow my knees and simply say “you first.” This Kingdom’s way is humbling and it may lead me to suffer, just as Jesus suffered.

When I put on the yoke of love, my burdens are lightened (Matthew 11:28-30.) I can keep my eyes fixed on the One who went first, gave up His rights, and is seated at the right hand of God. I can “be merciful, as my Father is also merciful” (Luke 6:36) and have nothing in my back-pocket, cupcake or otherwise- and live free of unforgiveness, bitterness, and getting my own way. 

We don’t do this Kingdom-way “by might or by power, but by the Spirit” (Zech 4:6) I am off the hook to always get it right. To lay down your life is simply said, but not as simply done. Still, this is how we are called to follow Jesus.  As we follow Him, let us always keep the love-colored glasses on when we look at God, ourselves, and everyone around us.

As a Fitness Teacher Gospel Preacher, I get to go first. My heart is set on freedom-living, which used to mean ruthlessly clearing out bondage, strongholds, and anything anti-Jesus.  This sounds like a lot of work and it was; but since Instructor Training I get to rest in His love, the work of the Cross, and the power of His resurrection. When I went to the mountain earlier this year, I went with all these expectations of more freedom, more focus, more intention, and more clarity about my work, my calling, and my life. Granted, I did obtain those things, but not in the way I expected. I had such expectations for what was going to happen on that mountain; I had waited six years go to.

God gave me what I needed first; He gave me peace. My restless, striving, fearful heart which longed for purpose and direction just needed to be loved and given space to rest. Jesus went before me, walked with me, and set me free from my expectations of Him and myself. My agenda for meeting with Him transformed from a to-do list to “I just want to be in Your presence.”

I am still set on freedom-living, but now it’s about Jesus.  I get to go first in my walk with Christ and what He freely gives me, I get to freely give away.  

In the comments below, tell us how you’ve wrestled with the way of the Kingdom. What teaching do you find difficult to live out or understand? How is Jesus working out His truth in you and through you? 

Lindsay Wendland (Platoon 22) is a nutrition and wellness coach. She lives in Lindstrom, MN with her husband, Nathan and their three daughters (Aubrey, Brenna, and Grace.) She loves running, gardening, camping and listening to people’s stories over a hot cup of coffee. Check out her WEBSITE to learn more!

Thank you for reading this week’s Revelation Wellness Blog! We pray this post blessed you in your walk with Jesus. If you are interested in becoming a Revelation Wellness Instructor, download a packet and speak with an Enrollment Advisor today! Our next Instructor Training begins on February 10, 2020! Download a packet TODAY!

Workout with us in this #wednesdayworkout! For more workouts like this, visit RevWell TV!

PHILIP’S CARDIO STRENGTH INTERVALS – “LIVING BY THE SPIRIT”

This workout will flip-flop you back and forth between cardio and resistance training. Sure to keep your body guessing. Muscle confusion? No big deal. God is never confused about us. Get comfortable being uncomfortable in this workout.(ALL LEVELS) (GALATIANS 5:22-23; HAND WEIGHTS & YOGA MAT)