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Education Ministry

Posted on April 21, 2004 ...

“You can’t believe everything you read.” So goes the old saying. But even in that with which we disagree, there may be some insight to be gained. This was my experience last week as I came upon an interesting survey of the 100 most influential people of all time, compiled by Michael H. Hart. To my surprise, he placed Muhammad at the top of the list, and Jesus, he ranked third. Intrigued, I wanted to understand his rational. The following is a quote from Mr. Hart referring to Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount:

Now, these ideas – which were not a part of the Judaism of Jesus' day, nor of most other religions – are surely among the most remarkable and original ethical ideas ever presented. If they were widely followed, I would have had no hesitation in placing Jesus first in this book. But the truth is that they are not widely followed. In fact, they are not even generally accepted. Most Christians consider the injunction to "Love your enemy" as – at most – an ideal which might be realized in some perfect world, but one which is not a reasonable guide to conduct in the actual world we live in. We do not normally practice it, do not expect others to practice it, and do not teach our children to practice it. Jesus' most distinctive teaching, therefore, remains an intriguing but basically untried suggestion.

As for Muhammad’s first place ranking, this is based on Mr. Hart’s observation that Muslims are more influenced by Muhammad than Christians are by Jesus.

I do not agree with Mr. Hart’s conclusions, but I do find in his explanation a stark reminder of a fundamental Christian dilemma. That is, the life and teaching of Jesus presents a standard much too high for any of us to keep, yet Jesus’ own words leave us no doubt that He expects us to try. The apparent incongruity of this has led some to attempt this ideal by sheer determination and power of their own will. Others, overwhelmed by its enormity, have simply given up. Neither of these responses understands the life Jesus had in mind. Thus, there must be a better way that acknowledges the reality of the struggle between the Spirit and the flesh, yet results in real progress toward the Christian ideal.

The answer to this dilemma is found in the grace of God. Grace recognizes that none of us are good enough in our own right. Therefore, doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves, it allows us to come to God through the righteousness of our Savior and Lord Jesus. However, grace does not let us off the hook when it comes to living a godly life. It compels us to continue trying; not as a way to earn God’s love, but as a result of already possessing His love through our identification with His Son. Although we fall short of Jesus’ example and teaching, little by little our lives are being transformed by the power of His Spirit in us.

The Lesson: Grace has made the impossible possible by granting to sinners new life in Jesus. Let us not continue to walk in sin and thereby give the world cause to question the influence of our Lord. Right or wrong, they judge the Lord by those who bear His name.