Read: Matthew 5:1-20
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. –Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
The Beatitudes are familiar with those from a church background. But familiarity sometimes keeps us from truly meditating on the message of this Scriptural passage. There is a word here for each one of us. Slowly and prayerfully read, reread and read again verses 3-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit… God wants each of us to develop a right attitude toward ourselves. While we’re not to put ourselves down, we’re also to acknowledge the need for humility. (This does not mean being a doormat!) It does mean recognizing our need for a Savior and recognizing our true worth in Him.
Though a special creation of a loving Lord, we are neither above nor below anyone else. We are unique and special in His sight. Such knowledge breeds humility instead of arrogance.
True humility also derives from acknowledging that each one of us goofs up, makes bad decisions and does things for which we’re sorry. In other words, we’re sinners in need of God’s healing grace and forgiveness. He is the source not only of salvation, but also for renewal of our hearts and minds. This begins when we come to Jesus in an attitude of submission and repentance.
Only as we allow Jesus into our lives will He sweep away the garbage and help us move forward with a clean heart and a new attitude to follow Him. With Him inside, we can become the persons He and we want to become.
Finally, I must look past my own little bubble of existence to view the world around me through the eyes of God’s caring and compassion. Jesus inside is the only way to true contentment, true change, and true joy.
Help me, Lord, keep my life and attitudes in line with Your will and Word. Help me love others that they may see You in me. Amen.
By Carolyn R Scheidies
From Listen! Who Me?