When Jesus Said: The Foundation of Faith in Truth, Justice, and Honesty

It is important to begin by acknowledging that the Lord God is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This trinity stands as a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the complexity and divinity of our relationship with the divine.

Consider Israel, a small tribe that managed to survive among the great empires and nations such as Egypt and Syria, holding onto its unique identity rooted in monotheism. Despite being surrounded by enemies, and remaining insular, Israel remained steadfast in its belief in one God with a single focus and belief. Similarly, Jesus called people to worship their God, promoting actions and behaviors that align with shared values, rather than divine or religious exclusivity. This is a call to act righteously and believe in what underpins all people's beliefs: honesty, justice, courage, and truth. When we abandon these highest values and succumb to selfishness, we cannot stand together.

God's call is for us to rise above human division and selfishness, fulfilling our duty to worship Him by treating all people with respect and serving those in need.

A Call to Prayer and Action

When Jesus spoke to His disciples, He said, "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." This was a promise of divine support when we seek to honor God through prayer and action. However, we must reflect on the accuracy of the scripture and its historical context.

The scene described at the beginning of the chapter, where Jesus is conversing with the devil after His baptism, is a significant moment in the narrative. While there is no direct eye-witness account of this event, the inclusion of such a conversation could serve to emphasize the purity of Jesus's character and His unwavering commitment to God.

The Christian Perspective

It is important to note how Jesus emphasized empathy and doing right by one another, which is a profound lesson for us today. The principle of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" underscores the importance of treating people with the same respect and dignity we would show to God.

Some might argue that this could legitimize a certain interpretation of actions under the guise of doing good, but it's crucial to recognize that this interpretation should not derogate into licenses of behavior or disregard personal values. This is particularly relevant as we look at the historical evolution of Christianity, from the idealism of the 1970s self-focused Baby Boomers to the conservative Christians of the 1980s and beyond.

For Baby Boomers, the focus was on personal freedom and fulfillment, while Christian Conservatives often used pseudo-Christianity as a cover for behaviors that might be seen as unethical or harmful. The term "scum in Christian drag" aptly describes those who use their faith to justify unethical actions, rather than following the true principles of Jesus.

The True Nature of Reverence and Worship

Looking at the life and teachings of Jesus, it is clear that He was a great prophet, a son of mortal parents, and a demigod. His calls for honesty, justice, and truth stand as a testament to His wisdom and divine nature. These principles go beyond mere religious devotion and are essential for human well-being and spiritual growth.

In contrast, the notion of "believe or burn," prevalent among fundamentalist Christians, represents a narrow and fearful view of faith that does not reflect the fullness of Jesus's teachings. It is a call to action, to live with truth, honesty, and justice, and to treat all people with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Ultimately, the true foundation of faith lies in embodying these values in our daily lives, treating others with compassion and empathy, and striving to make the world a better place. This is the message that Jesus called us to follow, and it remains as relevant today as it was in His time.