There is a saying that says don’t worry about tomorrow because each day has enough trouble of its own. About a month ago nine families at the elementary school I work at were victims of arson. Everything they own was lost in the fire. The families had children ages infants to middle school aged children. I couldn’t help but think about what are they feeling? What is going through their minds and their hearts?
When our faith is tested some times our confidence is broken. In trying times God should be out comfort. My pastor spoke about the beatitudes this past Sunday, and he assured everyone that if we studied these scriptures we would find the keys to happiness. In the book of Matthew 5:3-12:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (NIV)
The word "beatitude" comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." The phrase "blessed are" in each of the beatitudes implies a current state of happiness or well-being. The expression held powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of the day. In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are" those who possess these inward qualities. While speaking of a current "blessedness," each pronouncement also promises a future reward.
As the holiday seasons approached I began think what are we truly thankful for? Perhaps a bunch of gifts, money and other materialistic things? What can possibly make that family happy again after enduring such a trying time? Examining the world we live in can cause us to lose sight of some of life’s most precious things. For example, not having enough money to buy Christmas gifts or bills that or over due. We can loose sight of the bigger picture when we major on the minor things in life. The bigger picture is that there is a roof over your head with all the essentials needed for living. The way people view things can cause them to view their blessing in a negative light. Tragedy and any other life changing event will alter the way you think and also change your perspective on life. More importantly, it can impact you in a positive or negative way. Our job as Christian’s is to make sure we don’t lose sight of who and what we are in Christ. In an effort to spread Gods love we should not focus on giving just when the holiday season comes around, we should focus on giving everyday of our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment