Be Real

I love reading and re-reading the teachings of Jesus. Today I opened yet once again and began thinking about that short passage at the beginning of Matthew 5 that we refer to as "the beatitudes." That term causes a bit of loss in meaning, in my opinion, as if these are just some random "blessings" that Jesus throws in to launch his sermon.. These are actually statements describing eternal reward and participation in the age to come. You could say that the following people get to partake in Christ's eternal kingdom:

• the poor in spirit- those who do not see themselves as very spiritual people. 
• the meek- those who do not see themselves as mighty and strong. 
• those who hunger and thirst after righteousness-who do not pompously view themselves as already having attained it.
• the merciful-who are motivated in life by the needs of others. 
• the pure in heart- who may be judged or rejected by others for some "blemish" but whose hearts are after the right things. 
• the peacemakers-who pursue right relationships 
• the persecuted- whose devotion to God is despised by others 
• the reviled-about whom lies have been told because of their relationship to Jesus.

This is important. It is not those who think they are spiritual, who see themselves as mighty, who declare their own righteousness, who focus on their own desires, who trust in lineage or rank, who strive with others, or who seek to avoid any loss of reputation who will inherit the kingdom of heaven, be comforted, inherit the earth, be satisfied, receive mercy, see God, be called the children of God, and gain great reward.

It is those who see themselves as they truly are, and in humility call on God who alone can give them hope.