There are three stories in the Bible at Matthew 19. The first is a discussion about whether divorce is allowed or not allowed under God’s law, and that includes the question of whether it is better not to marry at all. The second story is about how the disciples thought playing with children was a waste of time for the master, who had more serious business to attend to. And the third is the story of the rich man who wanted to inherit the kingdom of God, but could not give up his role as provider for his family and servants.
These three stories have one thing in common: People are trying to figure out what is right to do in the world so they can ‘please God’ and ‘inherit the kingdom of Heaven.’ They are coming from confusion in their attempt to understand; therefore, understanding is out of reach for them. Today’s reading looks at the confusion that underlies all three of these stories and helps to set us free from confusion so we can reach understanding. This tip highlights three clarifications from today’s reading:
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- It is not what you do that is important, but why you do it. No matter what you do, look to the heart to see why you are doing it. Are you doing it simply because it is here now, or do you hope to get something from it? Do you have an agenda? Are you attempting to manipulate the future, escape the past, or are you in the moment being present with what is?
- Do not expect consistent rules of behavior that you can learn and master in a world of change. Rules of behavior vary between one time in history and another time, between one culture and another culture, and between one set of circumstances and another set of circumstances. Remember that humans create rules of behavior, because humans have forgotten how to live by conscience from moment-to-moment. Instead of trying to figure out consistent rules of behavior when there are none, learn to live by intuitive conscience in every moment.
- Adults confuse love with attachment. You are attached to something (or someone) when you believe that you get something from it, most likely security, happiness, self-image or worth. You love something (or someone) when you simply appreciate it because it is here now. Its presence is enough. Love is appreciating presence. That is the only real love. Anything else is attachment. Let go of attachment, and the reward is love.
Contemplate these three clarifications. They will help remove confusion, which will allow you to know understanding.
