Breaking Our Fixation on Rules
Dear Sutton and Savannah,
My interest in psychology has now spanned 50 years. That interest certainly contributes to my conviction that it is important to pay attention to the inward journey, and trust that the outward expressions will naturally reflect our inner growth. You have taught me so much, in our many conversations, about personality styles. And you have introduced me to theories and ideas that have brought about important insights in my journey. Thank you.
There are many theories of personality and I think that nearly all of them have something to contribute to our understanding of the human experience. However, I have selected one as the primary lense through which to view scripture in this inside-out lectionary series. It is a theory whose modern roots can be traced to Jungian psychology, but whose ancient roots can be traced back thousands of years to middle-eastern, eastern and indiginous cultures. It considers the importance of both a relational aspect (often viewed as the feminine voice) and a productive aspect (often viewed as the masculine voice). It also considers the importance of both a dynamic energy (focused on action and expansion) and a static energy (often viewed as stabilizing and reflective). All of us have access to all four of these ways of being, but we typically have a dominant way by which we engage and view the world.
I bring this up because I believe that each of the gospel writers has a distinct personality style that comes through in their writing.
Mark’s is a dynamic-masculine style in that his gospel is a bold confrontation aimed at taking on the Roman Empire.
Luke is stylistically opposite of Mark, in that his is a static-feminine approach, filled with care-giving, stories and relational context.
John, which we will consider in a few weeks during the Lenten season, represents the dynamic-feminine personality style, with his mystical, grandiose, and prophetic voice.
Finally, we have Matthew who exemplifies the static-masculine style, which cares deeply about rules, systems, historical context and productivity.
Jesus certainly embodies all four styles, but so far this year we have been learning about Jesus through the pen of Matthew, whose perspective matters.
I am sorry if my psycho-babble is distracting. However, I think it is important to not only know yourself, but to also know the perspective of those with whom you are engaging (including me, and I lean toward the static side, both masculine and feminine).
-Dad
Inside Out Lectionary Letters
Year A - 5th Sunday after Epiphany (Texts, Art, Hymns)
Readings for February 8, 2026
Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) / Psalm 112:1-9 (10) / 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) / Matthew 5:13-20
Summary of Matthew 5:13-20
Jesus describes his followers as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” He encourages them to let their lives be visible—not for self-glorification, but so that others might be influenced in good ways. Jesus then clarifies that his teaching does not abolish the law, but fulfills it. However, He also insists that fullness of life is about more than simply adhering to the rules.
Scripture as a Mirror of the Soul
Let’s take all of this and view it from the perspective of the inner landscape of personality.
What are the “salty” parts of your personality? These are the parts that enhance flavor, preserve, spice things up. If you are a rule-keeper, these are probably the spontaneous parts of yourself that you often keep under wraps because they feel too irresponsible. If you are dominated by the masculine voice within, then these are likely the intuitive, relational parts that might feel untrustworthy to you. However if these crucial parts lose their saltiness (effectiveness), then they lose their power to inspire, motivate, care, entertain and love. They become good for nothing, because they have been hidden or ignored.
What about the “light” within? This is the voice of the divine that embraces all of who you are. Let the light of grace, restoration and renewal enliven every aspect of your personality.
Then comes the section on the law (verses 17-20), which is a particular passion of Matthew, and his primarily-Jewish audience. Attention to the law is a key characteristic of the static-masculine side of our personality. It is important because it brings order, sets boundaries and provides standards of justice. However, by itself it is lifeless. Jesus didn’t come to discard the law, but to show us a better way, the way of the kingdom of heaven. He came to bring light on all aspects of who we are and to empower the parts of us that have been ingnored, exhiled or discarded.
Jesus, through the literary skills of Matthew, is going to take us on a journey through numerous expressions of the law. On first glance, some of what Jesus says appears to be rule-making on steroids! However, keep in mind this important beginning that sets the context of letting the salty parts have a voice in how you live. In other words, what if extravagant love characterized all the neighborhoods of your inner “city set on a hill”? I believe we are in store for quite the adventure.