As we discussed last week, (Here if you have not read it yet), Jesus made a conscious, deliberate decision to begin his “Guidebook to Christian Living” with an attitude adjustment. The logical next step would be: What to? We need to have a different attitude, but what do we mean by that? Luckily, we are not left in the dark about what mindset to have. The beginning of Matthew chapter five, and subsequently the Sermon on the Mount, is filled with one of the most famous passages in scripture: The Beatitudes. In the first chapter of our Christian guidebook, we are setting out on the right foot. There are eight Beatitudes that create an image of the attitude of a Christian.
And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
For they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
An important observation to start with is in regards to how we have translated this section. In the New King James Version, each beatitude starts with the word “blessed.” That word perhaps may not convey the meaning of this verse as well as the original text may. The word in Greek is Μακάριοι (Makarios). This word in context would be more precisely translated to Happy. With this change, we begin to see the practical application of what Jesus is trying to say. An earthly situation or personal quality is presented, followed by a heavenly reward, and therefore, they shall be happy. In every situation, whether in the pits of despair and mourning or at the heights of desiring righteous things, whether extending mercy and peace or being reviled, there is always a reward in God.
Jesus’ suggestion, therefore, matches one of those 7 Habits for Happy Kids we have mentioned before, being "Begin with the End in Mind." While we set our attitude here on earth, we should turn our face towards our heavenly reward. Changing our perspective and focusing on our goals, allows us to recognize two truths of living in this world: The things of this world are impermanent, and the things above should motivate us.
Eternity is going to be far longer than our tiny lifetimes here on earth. There is no way we can physically comprehend the splendor and grandness of what awaits us. In comparison, we have such a short period of pain here on Earth in the eternal scheme. When we mourn, it is but for a time. If we seek righteousness, we only seek until it in its glory shall be revealed to us in Christ. This attitude is exemplified in the Apostle Paul.
Reading Paul’s account of his life in the book of acts often reads like a Shakespearean tragedy. There is a pattern of Paul at a spiritual high, preaching and teaching crowds, presenting his case well against roman officials, and then being struck with tragedy. He himself claims “From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?” (2 Cor. 11:24-29).
By no means am I suggesting that this is our opportunity or drive to change our attitudes, or that our attitude cannot be aligned with Heaven without a great deal of physical suffering. Paul’s example is one of perseverance because his eyes are set on a goal. He says in his letter to the Philippians that “not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content” for “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:11, 13). Paul, who perhaps had more to complain about or be discouraged by than any Christian since, set his mind on things above, and was content.
Paul also in his letter to Phillipi describes the attitude of a Christian as letting “This mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” (2:5) and “being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.” (2:2-4). When we place our eyes above, our eyes are not focused on earthly things. We’ll come back to this point when we discuss our treasure, but Jesus also emphasizes this in the next chapter over, by telling us that “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). When we are focused on earthly things, it becomes easy to compete and covet for the passing glimmers of this earth. Yet heavenly treasure creates earthly contentment, and earthly contentment creates peace with those who have what you have not. It becomes much easier to be turned away from jealousy if we keep our eyes on a heavenly prize.
There is one beatitude that breaks the pattern established by the first set. In verse 11, Jesus sets a different standard. He says “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” The sentence ends before a heavenly blessing is proclaimed. It’s a very absolute and infinitive statement. Talking about deliberate wording choice, Jesus uses when. Not if, not in the occasion of, when. Happy are you when you are spoken evil of, cast down, your reputation tarnished, and you are left despised. Yet, while His sentence ends, the thought does not.
“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (6:12). We know the fate of the prophets. We know the fates of many of the soon-to-be apostles who were sitting at his feet. Their lives were often ended and ended violently. There were no thrones or riches at the end of their earthly life. No praise or adoration from their surroundings. Yet, they looked unto God, and became great figures of faith.
Their eyes were not on popularity, wealth, status, or friends. Their eyes were on a place with the Almighty Creator of the universe for eternity. Their perspective and faith allowed them to perform mighty deeds as followers of God. That is the power of attitude, and that’s why it’s the launching point of the Sermon on the Mount. Without our attitudes right, we cannot love our neighbor. Without our attitude right, we cannot be light or salt. Our attitude affects every aspect of our Christian life, and with it being off, our walk will be off.
Is your attitude aligned with God? Have you taken the time to be aware of yourself and how your daily walk reflects your focus? Are you willing to leave behind the attitudes that are focused below, and set your eyes to God?
Comments