In the height of tax season here in the US, Im reminded of the Bible story about a man named Zacchus, who was a tax collector a publican in Jericho. Its likely that he didnt have many friends. Tax collectors in biblical times were not popular. The system was corrupt. The collector could set a rate higher than the Roman government required, and the higher the rate the more money he could keep for himself. Zacchus was a rich man, so evidently he had done very well for himself, but through questionable means.

One day, Christ Jesus was traveling through Jericho. Zacchus desire to catch just a glimpse of that holy man was so great that he climbed a sycamore tree to see over the crowd. When Jesus singled him out to tell him that he must spend time at his house that day, Zacchus received him joyfully and not only this. Zacchus was so inspired by Jesus recognition of him that he vowed to give half his wealth to those who needed it. He even promised to repay fourfold everything he had taken dishonestly (see Luke 19:1-9).

Such a profound change in character indicates to me that the dawning of Christly enlightenment in individual thought brings an enrichment of meaning and purpose into our lives that nothing else can. It opens a range of opportunities to love and help others. We begin to find treasures of spiritual qualities in ourselves and our fellow man that we may not have seen before.

The issue is not about how rich we are, nor what our background includes. Its about the kind of change Zacchus experienced. The Scriptures and their companion book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, who founded this newspaper and Christian Science, show the relevance of the story of Zacchus today. A thoughtful study of these books reveals that the Christ, the divine nature which is expressed in man, Gods image and likeness is always with us. We comprehend man made in Gods likeness as we grow in our understanding of Gods nature of pure goodness. Our encounter with the holy presence of the Christ comes today in the form of transforming spiritual inspiration.

Understanding, even in a degree, mans spiritual identity and individuality lifts us above worldly fears, furies, and frustrations. With Zacchus, it started with a desire to see Jesus, but he was really being drawn to the transforming influence of the Christ, which Jesus represented. His first step was to climb upward to see above the crowd, and later as he stood in the presence of Jesus, his life was profoundly transformed. The change was not so much self-improvement as it was self-discovery. Jesus recognition of him as a loved, pure child of God allowed him to recognize his own value and worth as Gods expression.

Sometimes, whether in the midst of material wealth or lack, our hearts yearn to know we are loved and valued. But we, too, can take that first step that lifts us above the crowds of fear and limitation, and begin to glimpse mans true God-given nature. It may appear as a change of character, but its really mans innate Christlike nature becoming apparent. A new you which is the forever you that God created is emerging. Self-improvement is good, but self-discovery is infinitely better. And anyone who shows by example what it means to feel this enriching, transforming touch of Christ, like Zacchus, is someone I would be glad to call a friend.

Originally posted here:

My friend, the tax collector