"The Way of
Life and the Way of Death"
- taken from an
ancient Christian document called The Didache or The Teaching of the
Apostles, written anonymously circa 125-150AD.
There are two
Ways: the Way of Life and the Way of Death and the difference between
these two Ways is great.
The Way of Life
is this: first, you shall love the Lord God, your Creator; and second,
you shall love your neighbor as yourself. Do not do anything to your
neighbor that you would not want done to yourself.
These words mean
this: speak well of those who slander you, pray for your enemies and
fast on behalf of those who work against you. For where is the merit
in loving only those who love you? Even non-Christians do that! If you
love those who hate you, you will have no enemies. Guard against the
lust of the flesh. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the
other cheek as well and you will exemplify your faith. If someone
compels you to go one mile, go another one as well. If someone takes
your coat, give up your shirt as well. If someone tries to rob you, do
not resist, even if you think you might prevail. Give help to anyone
who asks of you, without looking for repayment, for it is the Father's
pleasure that we should share His gracious bounty with everyone. We
are blessed when we give freely in accordance with God's command.
The second
commandment of the Lord's Teaching is this: do not commit murder; do
not commit adultery. Do not practice sexual immorality. Do not steal.
Do not practice witchcraft. Do not kill an unborn child by abortion.
Do not commit infanticide. Do not be greedy and envy your neighbor's
possessions. Do not commit perjury or give false testimony. Do not
slander anyone or be malicious towards anyone. Do not equivocate in
thought or speech. Do not be deceitful. What you say should not be
false of empty but exemplified in your actions. Do not take advantage
of other people or swindle them. You must resist any temptation to
hypocrisy, arrogance and spitefulness. Do not hate anyone. Do not be
quick-tempered. Do not be fanatical or quarrelsome. Beware of lust,
for lust breeds adultery. Do not always be looking for omens or follow
fortunetellers for this leads to idolatry. Have nothing to do with
witchcraft, astrology or magic. Do not lie. Do not be a grumbler. Do
not be over-anxious to be rich or admired, for this leads to conceit.
Learn to be meek, for the meek shall inherit the earth. Practice
humility and be patient, merciful, quiet and honorable, always paying
attention to the things of God. Do not associate with those who are
eminent in their own eyes but choose as your companions those who are
humble and just. Do not create division, but bring peace among those
who are divided. Make all your judgments with justice and show no
partiality towards anyone. Do not turn away from those in need, but be
willing to share whatever you have. Do not look upon your possessions
as your own. Do not be hesitant or complain when you give. Make an
offering as a ransom for your sins. Remember who the eternal Paymaster
is who will give you your reward in due time. Do not fail to cherish
your sons and daughters and teach them to love and revere God even
while they are young. See that you do not neglect the commandments of
the Lord, but keep them just as you received them, without any
additions or subtractions of your own. In church, confess your sins
and do not come to your prayers with a bad conscience. That is the Way
of Life.
The Way of Death
is this: it is completely evil and filled with destruction and
damnation. Along the Way of Death is found murder, adultery, theft,
sexual immorality of all kinds, idolatry, perjury, hypocrisy,
duplicity, deceit, pretentiousness, arrogance, malice, greed,
treachery, jealousy, obscene speech and a lack of love for God. The
Way of Death is tread by those who oppose truth, love lies, show no
mercy to the poor and do not know the rewards of righteousness.
Gentleness and patience are beyond their conception; they care for
nothing good or useful and love their empty life. They do not know God
their creator. They are utterly and altogether sunk in iniquity.
Be watchful over
your life! Watch out that you are not led astray from the Way of Life
by those who do not know God. If you are able to carry the Lord's
yoke, your life will be full and complete.
- taken from an ancient
Christian document called The Didache or The Teaching of the Apostles,
written anonymously circa 125-150AD.
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