C. S. Lewis, in his classic work “Mere Christianity,” describes a basic Christian worldview. A significant theme of the book is on what the issues of morality means for the human race, as well as what morality means in relation to God and to one another. Where does morality come from and how does one become moral? Morality originates with God, Lewis argues, nor can man be truly moral apart from the transforming work of Jesus Christ.
In a chapter entitled, “The Three Parts of Morality,” Lewis suggests that one part of morality is the “tidying up” of one’s self on the inside, in other words, to “first clean the inside of the cup” (Matthew 23:25-28, New International Version). Further, in the chapter I wish to discuss “Nice People or New Men,” …show more content…
For instance, one may not commit the act of adultery, but if one even looks with lust, one is guilty (Matthew 5:28) and, therefore, still in the moral pit (which is death). Jesus, here, is teaching that motivations are as important, if not more important, than behavior. Not committing adultery is certainly correct behavior, but if one is dirty on the inside, one is still dirty (Matthew 23:25-28). Christ does not want us merely “acting” holy; He wants us to be holy, in other words, to be alive. Our actions will follow or reflect inner holiness. A moralistic approach which ignores the inside of the cup and focuses primarily on changing behavior, I have discovered, is ineffective in producing internal renovation or lasting change, and certainly not new life. Holiness, inside and out, requires …show more content…
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (NIV). Therefore, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33, NIV). Repeatedly, Jesus taught fundamental transformation. The idea of being “born again” speaks to the radical nature of the change Christ desires. Behavior, then, is the fruit of that change. Therefore, transforming the tree, rather than changing the fruit, is the primary focus. Lewis again makes the
In a chapter entitled, “The Three Parts of Morality,” Lewis suggests that one part of morality is the “tidying up” of one’s self on the inside, in other words, to “first clean the inside of the cup” (Matthew 23:25-28, New International Version). Further, in the chapter I wish to discuss “Nice People or New Men,” …show more content…
For instance, one may not commit the act of adultery, but if one even looks with lust, one is guilty (Matthew 5:28) and, therefore, still in the moral pit (which is death). Jesus, here, is teaching that motivations are as important, if not more important, than behavior. Not committing adultery is certainly correct behavior, but if one is dirty on the inside, one is still dirty (Matthew 23:25-28). Christ does not want us merely “acting” holy; He wants us to be holy, in other words, to be alive. Our actions will follow or reflect inner holiness. A moralistic approach which ignores the inside of the cup and focuses primarily on changing behavior, I have discovered, is ineffective in producing internal renovation or lasting change, and certainly not new life. Holiness, inside and out, requires …show more content…
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit” (NIV). Therefore, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33, NIV). Repeatedly, Jesus taught fundamental transformation. The idea of being “born again” speaks to the radical nature of the change Christ desires. Behavior, then, is the fruit of that change. Therefore, transforming the tree, rather than changing the fruit, is the primary focus. Lewis again makes the