Christian Ethos † España Javë Tres

Week three at G42 involved some difficult intellectual wrestling. Ted Hanson spoke on “New Covenant Realities” and I struggled to grasp much of what he said, because the message was presented in a much different way than I am accustomed. Ted, an incredible man of God, strongly challenged us to live based on what brings life to others instead of simply what is good or right.

He believes the new covenant enables us, in our relationship with God, to live out of what makes us come alive and what brings life to others because ultimately life, specifically eternal life, is the goal. We do not want to bring people to Jesus simply so that they can go to heaven. Life’s purpose, Jesus taught, doesn’t consist with being saved, living a good life, and then going to heaven when we die. Jesus taught about how to bring the kingdom of heaven to those in desperate need here on earth. Now, I’m not saying that doing right or good is a bad thing, but that something better exists. Living in an active relationship with Jesus far surpasses simply living in accordance with the rules he has given us. If we are in tune with his voice, he enables us to choose the best from multiple good choices. So the question is changed from “Is this good or bad?” to “Of these good choices, which one will bring more life to others?”.

I’m still struggling through this and checking it against scripture, but I agree with his heart. We need to live from the desires Christ has placed on our heart, in an intimate relationship with him, so that our fire burns recklessly in this world overcoming the darkness as we shine. We do not overtake darkness by turning off the darkness, but by turning on the light. I certainly don’t have it figured out yet, but the journey continues and Christ leads the way.