Lately, I've been thinking about bars. No, not the places that people go to drink but more in terms of standards, levels, and benchmarks.

Lawyers have to pass the bar.

To fish in the ocean, you've got to get past the bar of the harbor.

For athletes and academics to achieve top honors, they must raise the bar of their efforts.

Bars, bars, bars.

I think Jesus's message from the mountain in Matthew 5-7 speaks of bars too. In fact, I was thinking the other day on a prayer walk that Jesus simultaneously lowers the bar of entry to the kingdom while raising the bar of obedience for those who wish to be in it! 

The kingdom comes to those who may feel undeserving and belongs to those who love Jesus and obey Him - not just with exterior action but with heart motivation.

Matthew 5:3

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Jesus offers entry into the kingdom as we put our faith in Him as our Savior and Lord and by our faith, we meet the demand he spoke of in Matthew 5:20, "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

May we be a church that moves at the rhythm of Jesus - raising the bar on obedience while at the same time, lowering the bar for entrance - for all who by faith want to be part of His kingdom of heaven.