Attitudes God Blesses

One of the biggest mistakes people make is believing that the Christian life is about following as set of religious rules.  When we examine Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, we see that he is teaching us to have the proper attitude.   Improper behavior indicates an ungodly attitude.   He starts by describing proper attitudes that God rewards in Matthew 5:2-10.   Later he describes some of the behaviors that result from our attitudes.   Let’s start by examining those attitudes. 

“And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:2-3)   Christ is not talking about being physically or financially poor, but about having an attitude of total dependence upon God.  These are the ones who will be in heaven,  Just going without does not result in special blessings, as many seem to believe. 

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4)  We live in a world that is focused on having a good time.  God promises comfort to those who take a realistic view of the world and its wickedness.  They are not just people who feel sad and depressed because things happened they didn’t like.   God will comfort those who are concerned about things that are evil.

   

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) Meekness is the attitude of not being focused on one’s own pride, or desires.  It goes beyond just being humble.   God will give everything to those who are willing to yield to other people rather than demanding their own way.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” “Matthew 5:6)  Those who actively seek to do what is right, to obey God will have experience the closeness and satisfaction of a personal relationship with God. 

“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)  Those who are willing to forgive will receive God’s forgiveness. 

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)   Those who have a pure heart attitude will have the privilege of getting to know God personally.  Those who are just going through the motions, following the rules will never get to really know him. 

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)  Those who actively seek to avoid and prevent conflicts Will be recognized as being from God and will be blessed for their efforts, earning respect from those around them. 

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)  Those who allow themselves to be slandered and mocked for obeying God are blessed because they are God’s children and will live with him.

These attitudes please God, and he rewards those who have them.  Although different words are used, they are essentially the attitudes Galatians 5:22-23 tells us the Holy Spirit produces in Christians.   “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…”   Jesus went into greater detail about these attitudes in Matthew 5:11-7:29.