We've been having a sermon series at church about the Sermon on the Mount, and how it totally and radically changed how followers of God were to live. I have enjoyed this series as it captures what the Kingdom of God was really about.
One line that stuck with me regarding the Beatitudes was "are they Beatitudes or Me-Attitudes?" That is so true! How many times in life are we "looking out for #1", "toot your own horn because no one else will" or even subscribing to "the squeaky wheel gets the oil." It's all about me, me, me. What can I get out of this deal? How can I posture myself to look better when this is all said and done?
Christ freed us from that worry when he gave them Sermon on the Mount in the gospel of Matthew, Chapter 5. It's totally opposite of the way we naturally think.
Instead of:
I must have it all under control
We get:
You are blessed most when you're at the end of your rope, because there is more of God and less of you. (Matthew 5:3)
Instead of:
I need to want more, attain more, achieve more.
We get:
Be content with what you have, and you will have everything that cannot be bought with money. (Matthew 5:5)
Instead of:
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; repay poor treatment with like treatment.
We get:
If someone takes advantage of you, use that as an opportunity to live the servant life. Live generously. (Matthew 5:38-42)
Just read Matthew 5. You can see a dozen or more Beatitudes made from the conventional wisdom Me-Attitudes. I get tired of being selfish, of always putting myself first. There is no end in sight for that kind of life. Christ gives us permission to stop and let someone else be first. To quit applying the Me-Attitudes and live life in God's Kingdom. I just think that is cool.
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