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Heaven’s Code of Conduct
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)
The Sermon on the Mount has been called the Magna Charta of Christianity. In the Mountain Message Jesus describes the essential character and conduct of kingdom citizens. Surely such marvelous principles must have been devised in the mind of God. Who would deny that if man would abide by it teachings that our world would be more peaceful?
Consider a quick summary of this great discourse. Jesus taught that true contentment is not found in what you possess or where you live, but in your character (Mt.5:1-12). He says “don’t get angry with your brother without a cause” for such is as bad as murder (Mt.5:21-26). He teaches us not to have evil thoughts and have respect for marriage as designed by God (Mt.5:27-30; 31, 32). He instructs us to be trustworthy, not retaliate with evil for evil and to love our enemies (Mt.5:33-37; 38-42; 44-48).
He teaches us to not be religious hypocrites and to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones (Mt.6:1-18; 19-34). We are told to be careful how we judge others and “whatever you would that men would do to you, do you even so to them” (Mt.7:1-5; 12). Finally, he states that if we will follow these principles our lives can have a solid foundation that is able weather the storms (Mt.7:24-27).
Is there a better set of principles to live by? The secret to a fulfilled life is following heaven’s code of conduct.
