The "BE" Attitudes

Matt. 5:2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8" Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9" Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Jesus' first sermon, His first words that were audible for all to hear, are contained right here. It is interesting that He starts by telling us what we are to BE, inwardly, not DO outwardly. He doesn't start with a bunch of rules.

The Pharisees would have been there, listening but not liking what they were hearing. They were all about outward compliance and didn't put really any thought toward inward qualities. Jesus tells them, and us, what is most important.

"Blessed" also means happy or joyful. If we want to be truly happy then BE these things. Then He gives a list of things that we can't be. At least not on our own. These are all fruit of the Spirit. He then gives a reward for each of them. The greatest reward we can have, even if we never get anything here on earth, is that we would receive Heaven when we are finished with the race. The reward for many of the things on the list is "The Kingdom of Heaven". If we are these things, and we have these attitudes, we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Lord, give us an appetite for You Word and all that You are. Give us hearts that want to conform to it. May we love it, seek truths in it, hunger for it and be consumed by following it. As You do this work in us may we have these attitudes that You want for us to have, so that in the end, You would be glorified and we would have an inheritance in Your Kingdom. Give us this eternal perspective and may we not settle for anything less than Your highest good for us. Work in us, so that we can be these people.