John The Baptist Gave Us a List of How to Live Our Lives

Luke 3:10-14

“And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.

Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?

And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.

And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.”

While John the Baptist was preaching, calling his followers to repentance and baptizing those that followed, there came a question from the crowd in Luke 3 asking, “what shall we do then?”.  John gave a great answer that used the professions of the people there to help them understand. Below is a list that has some great starting points for following Jesus.

• Give to the poor or those in need around you. Sharing of your wealth, your possessions, your food, and even your time to care for those near you or who are in need is not only required of us, but the best way to understand Jesus and better follow him.

• Take and accept only what is fair. Work for your own living and take only what is fair. Treat your family, friends, neighbors and everyone you meet fairly, honestly, and with integrity.

• Remove all contention from your life. Do not act in violence in even small ways. Treat all you meet with understanding, empathy and kindness, even if they are your enemies.

• Forgive others. Do not waste your time accusing others, and never accuse anyone falsely.

• Be content with what you have. You could even stretch this one out cultivate gratitude for what you have.