"Where are my treasures; what do my eyes see and what does my heart seek? What dominates my thoughts?"
In today’s passage (the sermon on the mount) Jesus talks about supreme blessedness. He talks about anger and revenge. The law and His role. He sets the bar for prayer and fasting. He talks about loving our enemies and giving to those who need. He talks about money and possessions and worry. Umm, who hasn't been worrying lately? Even a little? 🤔
Oh, you know that this message is so today and so for me. 🙋♂️
The Beatitudes.
Of the beatitudes there are some that I might say I am okay in. None that I can say I excel in. Almost all could be considered a weak point. I can’t say any of the blessed are those is solidly, 100% me. Which leaves me much to pray about and aspire to. There’s a new year’s resolution list if you need one.
The Personal-Work Bar.
Jesus really sets the bar high: "But I warn you — unless your righteousness is better than the righteousness of the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven!" (Matt 5.20)
This is a bar I know I can’t ever reach. I don’t even know all the laws. It’s great that Christ alone is enough. In my report card, Christ really is my only 👍 in a sea of 👎.
Can I really love my enemies? Is it possible?
Let me just leave that question there. This comes to mind every time I read that passage (Matt 5.43-48). We know the answer is: yes. (Christ is sufficient). But am I living that answer?
How is my worry-level today?
Jesus asks: "Why do you have so little faith?" (Matt 6.30). This is personal to me. Right now there are challenges that directly affect my day-to-day. While my efforts have fluctuated in resolve, this word from Jesus has always been the same.
So I ask me: where are my treasures; what do my eyes see and what does my heart seek? What dominates my thoughts?
Select one Beatitude you find challenging and commit to embodying it in your interactions today.
Step outside your comfort zone to offer service or kindness to someone you’ve found difficult to love.
Surrender your major fears to God in prayer and replace a worry habit with focused meditation on Scripture.