We could be on this one for a month alone. However, we will focus on just two items. Verse 3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. What does 'poor in spirit' mean? It means those who are not prideful. Those who are teachable, and know that knowledge is a daily occurance. A humble person is not a weak person, a humble person is firm in their faith. The world will try to convince a person that is humble that that is a weakness, that it makes them ignorant followers. Humility does not mean weakness. I know of a celebrity that heeded the call on a Sunday of the need for volunteers to help with some yard work. He was one of several others in the congregation that showed up in jeans ready to work, no cameras, no paparazzi; he was there to work. That's humility. I know of a university president that was asked to teach the young pre-school children at church, he sat with the president of the organization for an orientation and the organization president quietly said, "I think perhaps you should be the one telling me how to be a better teacher!" He answered, "Oh, I haven't taught young children in a long time, I need all of the advice you can give me!" That is humility. I know of another celebrity that had acquired tickets to newly released church movie for his family, but when he handed them to the usher he was told he was one short. He looked shocked, but then told his family to go ahead and he would meet them at the exit, then the usher smiled and said, "I was joking with you, you have the correct number of tickets." He smiled, and laughed, then joined his family. That is humility. In each instance the person could have reacted with great pride and changed the outcome of the situation; however, each displayed 'poor in spirit', true humility. The other one I want to focus on is one that is happening right now in our world. It may not have happened to you, yet; however, all indications are that it is coming. Verse 10-12: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Up to this point, perhaps the only thing you have faced is not getting a job because you refused to work on Sunday, or someone laughing at you because of your faith. However, in today's world one can be smeared so badly that their entire reputation can be destroyed in a matter of hours. Being labeled a religious zealot that is closed-minded, and hates anyone not like themselves is a devestating occurance that is happening all too often in today's world. In reality, a person of faith is none of those things. A person of faith indeed, is teachable (as we disscused earlier). Being open-minded doesn't mean one has to change their own belief system because someone else thinks what they believe is wrong, it means allowing that person to have their own belief system. As for hating anyone different is a complete fallacy, those with faith know that all are children of God and therefore should be treated as such. Loving someone also doesn't mean that you have change your way of beliefs to theirs to love them. It means you accept them for what they believe. In some cases, what they believe may mean that the two of you are not best friends will likely not hang out together; but when that person is in need we will step up. Standing up for what is right is becoming more and more difficult. Standing up for yourself is also becoming more and more difficult. At the same time, we need to know when to stand up. Many are saying that their religious liberties are being trampled on while during a pandemic church cannot meet, so they meet anyway. Who is to know if that is the time to stand up or not. It's going to be a personal decision. However, considering that one's home should be a holy place that learning and love is in abundance, 'home church' can be a wonderful thing. The loss of friendship and camaraderie is definitely a sad by-product of 'home church'. However, the Holy Ghost has promised us that where two or more are gathered in Christ's name, he will be there, also. (In the case of 'home church', and those who live alone, I think that second person can be and is, the Holy Ghost.) Though soldiers are not bursting into churches to close them down, in some cases law enforcement has closed down a service; so, it's still such a quandry. However, remember, no one can take away your faith or your ability to pray, or your ability to be a good person that the beattitudes describe. So, the goal for this chapter is write in your journal those things you are grateful for that your faith provides; recognizing that a church family provides strength, emotionally and spiritually, reach out to someone that needs that strength assistance. And, then, rejoice! Be joyful. Speak your smile when you see someone, "I'm smiling under my mask at you!" or "Good afternoon!" Rejoice!
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Carolyn Bendall"After years of teaching people how to develop their 'outside' image; we realized the 'inner image' need just as much work. Let's take this journey together!" Archives
August 2022
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