by Marshall Brown

Created on: June 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 22, 2009

So many people throughout time have reflected on this question, and although each individual will have their own perception, I would like to share some of my views. A lot of information based on Christ is derived from the miraculous works he has done and still maintains to do in present day. However, I don't believe that he would want any of us to focus on those famous, as well as personal miracles in our lives. He spoke that we should rejoice not for the miracle, but that our name is written in the "Book of Life."

What separates Jesus and makes him so much more extraordinary from anyone else who ever lived or taught men to change the way they perceive the world? He didn't just preach salvation, the kingdom to come, or that we would be given "gifts to men." He showed us how we give too much thought to things, the anxiety of daily life, worries about our shortcomings, our reflection on past sin. On these he based his message. It has been so overlooked by many modern scholars and clergy alike. We are not to worry about past sins, spending our life on bended knee begging for forgiveness, but as he said, "The law was made for man, man was not made for law...." That means, don't worry about your past sins, look ahead and no longer sin nor give thought to your past.

The same message is given by Jesus for everyday living, we all know this phrase, "... for they neither toil nor spin..." Speaking of the sparrows of the field. Man has so much on his mind, that he forgets to take a look around and see how he can help others. We get so wrapped up in this fast paced world helping ourselves and we forget to do God's work, which is to help each other. Not to cram religion down each other's throats, but to be that shoulder to lean on. Jesus did not walk up to his apostles saying, "You have flaws, come with me and I'll teach you a better way." He said this instead, "Come, walk with me." It was by example, not words that he taught the best lessons. So we also are to be a good example, and do as he commanded, "If any man say unto you, ..' walk a mile with me....' instead walk with him two."

Out of this, looking at the world through his eyes approach, is the key to all faith, not to think about it until we are weary, but to "believe it has already been given." If we take his greatest message, that leads to pure faith, and away from the condemning of others (as well as ourselves.) Then we walk just as he did so long ago, not walking with blinds on to the cold reality of the world, but reaching out with warmth to fellow man and aiding him in any way he can. I almost hear his laughter and see a smile cross his face as he reverberates, "Oh ye of little faith...." As if saying, "If you only knew that you can do, just as I have done."

Learn more about this author, Marshall Brown.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.