I want to be blessed....

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

“You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

“You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

“You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

“You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

“You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

I read the Beattitudes in a different light today, it was kind of weird. I was reading from another blog and I really liked the translation. I felt convicted on more than one of those beattitudes but really liked the one about teaching people to cooperate instead of fight and compete. Man, I catch myself often times competing. And it's usually for nothing, to win an argument, sound stronger or knowledgeable. I don't know why I do that. I don't want to be defensive, I just want to be peaceful. It sounds funny for me to say that for some reason. Inside of me feels pretty "fight-ful" if that's even a word, I don't think it is. I'm trying to let go and submit. The last part really hit me too. It's so hard when people are speaking bad about you and continuing to drag your name in issues that have NOTHING to do with you. I hate that. And there comes the "fight-ful" nature again. It's like I feel like telling the world how unjust I'm being treated. And then I have to think about myself and how I've treated people. The funny thing is I can justify my actions...sick, I know. I really am trying to see even those that hurt me and say things against me as Christ sees them. I had a friend tell me one time that hurt people hurt people. How true! I can see that in this situation and it makes me sad for them. I want to love even when it hurts and it isn't reciprocated. God, help me to be one of the blessed in the beattitudes. Help me to be a servant, a friend, hungry for you, caring, and help me to be okay when I'm persecuted.