Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Monday May 1, 2006

The first warm day in May, I hope. What better way to start May (notice the poetic phrase) than to discuss the theology taught in one 'small group' meeting in our fair city concerning the slap on the cheek of which Jesus spoke. The small group guru commented on this passage while applying it to a wife who has asked for help from the group concerning the fact that her black and blue face was the result of hubby expressing his deep discontent with her. Well, of course she must endure and turn the other cheek.

Where do these nincompoops get their ideas from, a monthly S& M magazine?

The passage is dealing with our response to insult, not negating self defense or common sense. May I add the in dealing with insult it is wise when dealing with people who can take up for themselves to keep in mind that we humans only have two cheeks. I suppose that when you run out of cheeks it is alright to adopt a 'Katie bar the door,' response. I sure hope this is good exegesis.

It is safe ground to assert that only eternity will reveal the terrible damage done to God's children who are the victims of those who twist the truth of God’s word into applications it is not designed to address. To justify spousal abuse on the basis of Christ's words in Matthew 5:39 "But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." is somewhere near the apex of charlatanism. Or, in kindness, ignorance, and that of the purest strain.

For many years it has been my oft voiced opinion that spousal abuse within the hallowed walls of the church has been a dirty little secret swept under too many rugs, for the 'sake of the testimony.'

Hey, it is May and a little warm under the collar is good for circulation!!

That Jesus is teaching in the 'cheek' passages to be a little slower on the trigger, to refuse to be controlled by materialism and to practice doing more than is expected is without true controversy. Tragically, the truths of His statement on these issues, issues that have gained control of too many professing Christians are relegated to the dinosaur pile.

When reading the teaching of Jesus on the subject it is good to do what James taught us to do and use the word as mirror into our heart. Am I a little too quick on the trigger with nasty hurtful response? Do I return tit for tat? Do I hold too tightly to MY possessions? And what about serving with the attitude of doing more than is expected? How bad do I cheat my employer each day? In the final analysis Jesus is teaching in these verses that the way to maintain control of your life is to refuse to give into pettiness about yourself, your things or your service.

And please if you are a teacher, do not get someone killed with a macho interpretation.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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