Having a Kingdom Attitude 11

In Matthew 5:21-30, Jesus deals with two of man's greatest sources of stress: anger and lust. These are the two most powerful, negative influences on mankind. How often do you open your paper or turn on the news and see one or both of these emotions being reported with negative consequences? With both anger and lust we see that if they are not recognized and dealt with internally first, then the continual consequences of anger and lust will lead to murder and adultery. Yet, when a person has a "Kingdom mindset" they will seek to deal quickly internally, before it manifest itself outwardly.

Today I want to focus on the 6th commandment, "Do not commit adultery." In this chapter Jesus was defend marriage convincingly; a union between one man and one woman at one time. Why does He defend marriage, because marriage is an object lesson of our relationship to Christ. The Pharisees prided themselves in not committing the "physical" act of adultery, but God could see their hearts and knew quite well that their mind and heart was a constant "peep show". Jesus states that if a man lusts after (stare, or continuous looking) a woman in his heart, then he is guilty of sin. When we hear of someone committing adultery, that was only the final step in a process of sinful, lustful thoughts of the heart. Jesus teaches us two was to keep this sin from destroying our marriages, first, we must be willing to remove what we cherish the most in order to protect us from evil. The right eye or hand was a person's best and most precious faculties. If your most cherished body part or electronic device is causing you to sin, get rid of it. Don't misunderstand this passage, Jesus is not justifying mutilation, because a blind man can still commit adultery. Second, we must remove sin quickly and decisively to protect us from evil. We do not ignore cancer, we cut it out completely; so too should the child of God do with any form of sin. Great stresses come when be allow our heart to hide sin; but you can also rest knowing that great relieve comes when we constantly repent of any and all sins, thus ensuring us a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.

Having a Kingdom Attitude 10

As we continue to seek ways to have less stress in our life, it is safe to say that a Christian's stress level is measured by how they view God's Word. It must be frustrating to call oneself a "Christian" and yet see the Bible as a non-important book for everyday living. Most Christians are living their life apart from the teachings of God's Word, and it should not surprise us that those Christians have lives that are as or even more stressful than those who would consider themselves unbelievers. When we study the New Testament, it is clear that the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees, although religious, they were stressed out dudes. They lived by the strict letter of their own rules. Their joy came from telling others what they could not do, and walking around town hoping that people would recognize their sacrifices and their spirituality (6:5). Well, the source of true joy and happy comes when we realize that we have been saved to walk in freedom and liberty, not to hold onto a bunch of rules.
Jesus speaks in Matthew 5:17-20 the importance of living our lives under the guidance of God's Word. If we allow God's Word to be our guide, it is not a weight, but it will free us from needless worry, and helps us walk in victory and joy. There are four principles for living by God's Word that Christians need to embrace. First, live under the dominate Word of God (5:17). Both the Old and New Testaments are for our edifying, one does not trump the other. If allowed, God's Word should dominate every part of our life. Second, we need to live on the firm Word of God (5:18). God's Word is permanent, secure, stable forever; it is the perfect foundation to build your life upon. Third, live by the relevant Word of God (5:19). It gives us both warnings and blessings for how we use it. God's Word never goes out of date. Last, we ought to live intentionally with God's Word (5:20). God's Word has purpose, and if we chose to live our religion to be seen by men, then we will be known as hypocrites. But if we live righteously according to God's Word, then we will have a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Having a Kingdom Attitude 9

Many years ago, Elihu Burrit wrote, "No human being can come into this world without increasing or diminishing the sum total of human happiness, not only of the present but of every subsequent age of humanity." When we come to Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus teaches us that true believers should strive to make a positive mark on this earth. He compares Christians to two objects - light & salt. Jesus states that when Christians live with a Kingdom attitude, they have a major influence in this dark and decaying environment. Sin brought darkness, decay, and death, yet Christ brings light & life. Jesus states that "you" are salt. In Bible days salt was very valuable, not only in preserving and favoring, but also it was used to pay the Roman soldiers (here is where we get the phrase 'not worth his salt'). But what Jesus had in this verse is the idea of preservation. When Christians live, talk, and act as their Master, then the evil influences in this world are weakened. Salt prevents the entire earth from degenerating even faster. Christians have the effect of delaying moral and spiritual rottenness.

Christians are also called to be "little lights", reflecting The Light of the World, Christ Jesus. What does light do? If both attracts and repels. It reveals the right path. It exposes what is right and wrong. This is why God leaves Christians in this wicked world - we have a mission to reveal the way to heaven for all men. Jesus reveals that with such a calling there is also a danger with both salt and light. First, even though salt could never lose its inherent saltiness; yet because of impurities, the salt would lose its effectiveness and strength. How many Christians have allowed worldly pollution to corrupt their testimonies? Second, with light, the danger is that we hide our testimony, thus minimizing the value and effectiveness of the light. Oh friend, when we are obedient to God's mission on this earth as salt and light, then the end result is God will be glorified by the world through our lives; thus bringing us a less stressed life. Well, until next time, keep walking close with Christ.

Having a Kingdom Attitude 8

In Matthew 5:10-12 we read: "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad..." Now you may ask, "Bro. Troy, how in the world can I live a less stressed life if I am being persecuted?" Well, it is possible, if and only if you are walking close with Christ. The rejoicing we read is not from the pain but rather from the rewards and testimony that suffering will bring. Jesus is not saying that suffering will follow a believers all their life. Jesus' life, for the most part, was positive; yet one of the signs of being a child of God is persecution. When one walks in meekness, humility, and righteousness, the world will attack; but the stress is minimal when we hold on to God's promise that He would never leave us alone.

In these verses Jesus gives us three characteristics of a genuine Christian. First, they will experience various persecution. Jesus told His disciples that the world would war against them (John 15:18-ff) because of their obedience to follow Him. If your persecution is a result of a big mouth, than this is not godly persecution. The persecution Jesus is talking about comes when one stays firmly on the path of righteousness. Second, a genuine Christian carries an eternal promise. Heaven, is waiting for those who are faithful to the end. Remember, heaven is not the end game, it is only the beginning to life. Third, a genuine Christian will experience a new posture. When facing persecution, the world would say cry, but Jesus says, use this event as a time to rejoice. The word "rejoice" in the Greek is "chairo" which literal means "to leap for joy". Why? Because it is a sign of our authentic relationship with God, as well as it proves our loyalty to Jesus' standards of Kingdom living. So when the Father approves your walk, then your life will be less stressful. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Having A Kingdom Attitude 7

We find another pearl for those who seek to live a less stressful life on this earth in Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Approved by God are those who have received the ultimate peace of God (salvation, sons of God), and now live to share that peace with those around them. It is not natural to promote peace. The Bible states that sin has made us enemies with God (Rom. 5:10), and our natural tendency is to war and fight (James 4:1-ff). You see, Jesus is the author of peace, the Prince of Peace; and this blessing is only to those who have received His peace and now live to promote that peace (Is. 52:7). Being a peacemaker does not mean being a coward or giving in to everyone and everything. A peacemaker is one whose strength is under control. This may mean holding our tongue or defending truth over wickedness. Peacemaking is a divine work. God is the author, Christians are to be His promoters. Let's see what it looks like to be a peace promoter.

In the book of Acts, we meet a peacemaker, named Barnabas. Barnabas was a Jew, a Levite, a leader in the early church. In fact the apostle Paul was his apprentice. When you study this man you find that in every situation we read his name we learn something about peacemaking. First, he had made peace with God (Acts. 11:22-24). He was saved, full of the Holy Spirit, full of faith. Second, he led others to make peace with God (Acts 13:1-2). He is described as God's spokesman, a teacher of God's Word. Third, he helped others make peace with others (Acts. 9:25-ff; 1344-ff). Whether it was with Paul and the early church or a fight between the Jews and Gentiles, he was always seeking a peaceful unity. Fourth, Barnabas always endeavored to speak the truth in love. He would not compromise His mission (Acts. 13:46-37), his worship of God (Acts 14:11-ff), or God's Word (Acts 15:1-2). Lastly, as a peacemaker his actions promoted encouragement in the Body of Christ. His very name means "Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). So whether it was helping others, preaching, or giving a weaker brother a second chance, he was all about promoting God's Word as well as lifting up his fellow man. Barnabas' example teaches us what we ought to be doing daily as Christians. If we promote God's peace with our fellow man, don't you think you will have a less stressed life? Well, until next time keep walking close to Christ.

Having a Kingdom Attitude 6

The sixth Beatitude say: "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Approved by God are those who have a pure heart. What does it mean to have a pure heart? The word pure in the Greek means clean from pollution, clean from the guilt of sin; sincere and upright. Just in the very definition we see that a pure heart is not what a human can do on their own, but rather what Christ has done and is doing for us. Christ is conforming us to His standard, the standard of holiness. Man, naturally has a wicked heart (Jer. 17:9), and needs a heart transplant - a pure heart (Ez. 11:10, Ps. 51:10). When God gives us His heart, it is kept pure as we walk after the Spirit of Righteousness (2 Tim. 2:22).
Our illustration for this beatitude comes from Luke 19:1-10. In the story of Zaccheus, we are introduced to one of the "worse" figures is society. To a Jew, if anyone is filthy and on their way to hell, the tax collectors were in front of the line. By his encounter with Jesus we see three actions one must take in order to have a pure heart. First, you must seek Jesus. Zaccheus could have made many excuse and even had a valid obstacle (his height) from seeing Jesus, and yet he kept persistent despite personal obstacles and reputation (19:3-4). Second, you must obey Jesus (19:5-6). When Jesus spoke, he quickly followed. He did not question or falter, he received Jesus into his house quickly and with great happiness. Third, you must be possessed by Jesus (19:7-8). After listening to Jesus, we see that Zaccheus purposed to living right. He could not make this change on his own, he was now possessed by Christ. And the way you can know that you are possessed by Christ is the willingness and joy you have to give up your money and possession in order to help others. You see, purity of heart is not only seen in one's faith but also in one's works (James 2:1-ff). When we have Jesus controlling our lives, it is His desire to make us like Him every day. When we walk with a pure heart, then we will truly have a less stressed life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Having a Kingdom Attitude 5

We come to the fifth Beatitude in Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy." A popular Roman philosopher called mercy "the disease of the soul." In Roman culture, it was a supreme sign of weakness to show mercy; so you can image the looks on the disciple's faces when they heard that God's blessing is directed connected with mercy. The word "mercy" means charitable acts; it is compassion toward those who have a real need. The residents of the Kingdom are not takers but givers. One who practices mercy not only will have less stress but will also reflect a personal relationship with Christ. For you see, mercy is the very heart of God (Ps. 106:45).

Let us look at several passages in Scripture that will give us a better illustration of what mercy says to we live and do it. In Matt. 18:21-ff, we see that mercy tells others "I forgive you!" These are hard words, and yet they are possible, only by God's strength, to be said to those who have hurt you in the past. When we forgive, it is an act of mercy, and an act that will reduce our stress. In Luke 10:30-37, mercy said, "I love you!" It was the Samaritan who had mercy on the Jewish traveler, beat up and left for dead. In John 8:1-11, we read that mercy says to others, "God's grace is for you!" In this story, it was mercy that said, "I do not condemn you" and it was grace that said, "Go, and sin no more." Have you experience God's grace? If not, all you have to do is cry out for His mercy and forgiveness of sin today? Lastly, in Luke 16:19-ff, we see that mercy says to others, "God is the final Judge!" The rich man showed no mercy to Lazarus on this earth, and yet roles were reversed when both died. We are commanded to show mercy to all men. We are not asked to debate it, analyze it, or dissect it; we are to simply give mercy to all men no matter their behavior toward us. This act can only be done with God's Spirit, and it is the behavior of every resident in heaven. Well, until next time, keep walking close to Christ.