Obedience to the Lord is recognised in wholehearted service to one's family and society. This wholeheartedness includes a singleness of purpose: we reverence others because of their innate worth, not for any recognition we may gain for our behaviour. Each of us will answer to God in the end so we may as well concentrate on pleasing God right away.

Whereas the Old Testament command to honour one's parents was directed towards adult children who were to care for their elderly relatives, the New Testament focuses on the relationship between younger adults and their children.

When asked how many will be saved Jesus urges the crowd to try very hard to enter through the narrow door. Many will be tempted to put off the task of earnestly seeking the kingdom. Everyone ought to strive to live the way of love right now. Merely keeping company with the right people is not enough. We are recognised as God's own in the very act of loving others. No one has a claim on the Kingdom by reason of race, birthright or any other external criterion. Salvation is open to people from every nation provided they enter into this new way of compassion.