Having a Kingdom Attitude means having a less stressed life than those who walk by their own set of rules. Matthew 5:6 gives us another principle for how a Christian is to live in this world - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." When we look at both words "hunger" and "thirst" in the Greek, they describe the extreme of both situations. Hunger means starving to the point of death, and thirst means to be dry or completely parched. Those who have the Kingdom mindset realize that without God's righteousness and obedience to His way, the end result is death. So, a true believer will do all they can to feast and live on God's righteousness alone.
We find an example to this verse in John 6:22-71. Jesus has just finished feeding at least five thousand people. The next day a large crowd makes their way to Jesus, they want to follow Him. As we look closely we see that following Jesus does not mean that you truly hunger and thirst for His righteousness. The people are clearly coming for a magic show not to be true followers of Christ. So, what does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness? First, we need to put aside our physical desires (6:22-40). Physical desire by their own definition seek to satisfy self or the flesh. Physical desires try to bring Jesus down to our level. Second, we need to recognize and submit to God's work in our life (6:41-51). God alone calls people to Himself and that work is only accomplished through Jesus Christ. Lastly, we must come to the point in our lives in which we recognize and confess that Christ is all we need. Even when you don't understand the cost, just follow Christ's way. Submit the the Holy Spirit's control even when you can't see the next move. John Piper's famous quote sums this up: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied with Him." When we are completely satisfied with Christ Jesus, then our life will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 3
Today we are continuing our journey through the Beatitudes and will focus our attention on Matthew 5:5 that reads, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." The teaching of Jesus emphasis a new way of living for those who call themselves followers of Christ. The attitudes laid out in each verse describe the attitude of the residents of heaven. So when we carry a "Kingdom Attitude" as a Christian, you can guarantee yourself "a less stressed life".
What does it mean to be meek? Most associate the work "meek" with "weak", but this is not the Bible's definition of meekness. In the Greek, the word "meek" means mild, gentle, a soft disposition. Meekness is an inward grace of the soul and is a quality that only God can give. This word was used by the Greeks when describing a horse that had been broken. So in other words, meekness is "power under God"; more importantly, "power under God's control". Meekness is simply letting the Holy Spirit lead your life. Often, we as Christians act more like a bull than we do a horse that has been broken. The bull is stubborn and does not want to be ridden, so he bucks anyone who tries to control him. A horse that has been broken can be calm and gentle until called upon to ride into battle or race. The same is with the Christian when we allow God's power (the Holy Spirit), to led us. Our example from Scripture is John 1:19-37 when we look at the life of John the Baptist. His meek attitude was a reflection of an inward quality that followed three principles: First, he realized who he truly was in Christ. He knew his job was not about exalting his ministry, but rather exalting His Savior. Second, he accepted the position Christ had called him to. Unlike uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite, John the Baptist was content to be who God had called him to be. He was content with second place. And third, John recognized and pointed others to Christ. A meek heart is the heart of Christ and it is also a heart that seeks to point people to Christ and not self. There is one thing I am sure, if you allow the Holy Spirit of God to control your life, your life will be less stressful than those trying to do things their own way. Well until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
What does it mean to be meek? Most associate the work "meek" with "weak", but this is not the Bible's definition of meekness. In the Greek, the word "meek" means mild, gentle, a soft disposition. Meekness is an inward grace of the soul and is a quality that only God can give. This word was used by the Greeks when describing a horse that had been broken. So in other words, meekness is "power under God"; more importantly, "power under God's control". Meekness is simply letting the Holy Spirit lead your life. Often, we as Christians act more like a bull than we do a horse that has been broken. The bull is stubborn and does not want to be ridden, so he bucks anyone who tries to control him. A horse that has been broken can be calm and gentle until called upon to ride into battle or race. The same is with the Christian when we allow God's power (the Holy Spirit), to led us. Our example from Scripture is John 1:19-37 when we look at the life of John the Baptist. His meek attitude was a reflection of an inward quality that followed three principles: First, he realized who he truly was in Christ. He knew his job was not about exalting his ministry, but rather exalting His Savior. Second, he accepted the position Christ had called him to. Unlike uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite, John the Baptist was content to be who God had called him to be. He was content with second place. And third, John recognized and pointed others to Christ. A meek heart is the heart of Christ and it is also a heart that seeks to point people to Christ and not self. There is one thing I am sure, if you allow the Holy Spirit of God to control your life, your life will be less stressful than those trying to do things their own way. Well until next time, keep walking close to Christ.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Having a Kingdom Attitude 2
We are looking now at the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12, and pointing out that these characteristics describe the attitude of the residents of heaven. When we carry a "Kingdom Attitude" as a Christian, you can guarantee yourself "a less stressed life". Today let us look at the second characteristic: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." At first glance you might think that if you cry then God may be happy with you, but this is not the case. It is not about outward tears, it is about inward humility about your position before God. The word for mourn in the Greek is "pentheo" which speaks of the most severe sorrow that a person can have, usually dealing with a death of a loved one. This mourning that Jesus is speaking of is a personal recognition, brokenness, and acceptance of personal sin in one's life. Note, when we truly humble ourselves before God, then we will have true grief over sin and as a result, receive true comfort from God through His Holy Spirit.
One lady in Scripture illustrates this verse very well. In Luke 7:36-50, we read of a notoriously sinful woman who disturbs a party for Jesus in order to seek forgiveness of her sins. Note the three things this woman did to express true Godly sorrow over her sins. First, she eliminated all hindrances (36-37). She knew how awful she was and she also knew how wicked everyone thought her to be, and yet she set aside her pride to fall before the feet of Jesus. She did not care what people thought of her, all that mattered was what Jesus thought of her. Second, she got as close as she could to the Word (38, 44-46). She came broken hearted, in humility, in gratitude and embraced the Word made flesh. Third, she humbled herself and prayed (38,47-50). It is on her knees that she found forgiveness for her sin. Notice these wonderful words that brought true life into this woman's stressful, sinful life: "Your sins are forgiven." "Your faith has saved you." "Go in peace." Wow! Those are wonderful words of life. We must have a humble heart before we are saved, and this heart must continue to beat throughout our Christian life. If this is the case in your life, then your life will be one of gratitude for the mercy and forgiveness of God. Until next time, keep walking closely with Christ.
One lady in Scripture illustrates this verse very well. In Luke 7:36-50, we read of a notoriously sinful woman who disturbs a party for Jesus in order to seek forgiveness of her sins. Note the three things this woman did to express true Godly sorrow over her sins. First, she eliminated all hindrances (36-37). She knew how awful she was and she also knew how wicked everyone thought her to be, and yet she set aside her pride to fall before the feet of Jesus. She did not care what people thought of her, all that mattered was what Jesus thought of her. Second, she got as close as she could to the Word (38, 44-46). She came broken hearted, in humility, in gratitude and embraced the Word made flesh. Third, she humbled herself and prayed (38,47-50). It is on her knees that she found forgiveness for her sin. Notice these wonderful words that brought true life into this woman's stressful, sinful life: "Your sins are forgiven." "Your faith has saved you." "Go in peace." Wow! Those are wonderful words of life. We must have a humble heart before we are saved, and this heart must continue to beat throughout our Christian life. If this is the case in your life, then your life will be one of gratitude for the mercy and forgiveness of God. Until next time, keep walking closely with Christ.
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