I find it interesting that, when reading the Bible, the first words we have from Jesus are the Beatitudes. The first lesson we get from Him is a lesson on how to live. Meek, humble, hunger and thirst for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers. If we were to live our lives in this manner, how wonderful the world would be. We're told, right there in the Beatitudes, not to be puffed up, full of ourselves, pushy and bullying toward anyone. Giving mercy to those around us, making peace between parties, staying true in our heart to the teachings of Christ. Living our life to please Him, and only Him. Not involved in drama, backbiting, gossiping and the turmoil that others bring.
Can you imagine what our lives would be like if everyone behaved the way Jesus described in Matthew 5:3-12? We could totally be focused on the spiritual battles we're supposed to be fighting if we would surrender ourselves to live the way Jesus just told us to. There would be an end to denominational religion. There would be no hungry people on the streets. There'd be no homelessness. What a life we'd be showing to the lost and dying world. We could make them want what we have, even without saying a word to them. They would see peace, harmony, grace, concern, joy. Everything that's lacking in their world. Instead, they look at our lives and see the same things they're going through in theirs and they wonder, what's the point? It's the same thing.
For the next week or two, I'm going to be sharing The Words of Jesus from the four Gospels on my Facebook page. I'm not going to give commentary, not going emphasize anything, just going to put Jesus' Words on the page. As if Jesus, Himself, were posting. I wonder if anyone will see it that way? I wonder if someone's life will be changed by just hearing His Words. I hope so. I'm praying so.
