Daily Beatitudes
God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
(Matthew 5:3–10)
Try this: Apply one beatitude a day. On Monday work on dependence, consciously focusing on being “poor in spirit.” On Tuesday, apply repentance. On Wednesday, try gentleness as an attitude for the day. On Thursday, go after righteousness. Friday, let’s make it a full day of mercy. Saturday, think on integrity. Sunday, deliberately be a peacemaker. And the next Monday? Cultivate joy. That will get you out of a repetitious cycle.
Because there are eight beatitudes but only seven days in the week, you will have a new day with a new project on a regular basis. I challenge you: In place of a lifestyle that you have learned from the world’s system, put these qualities into practice. Before you know it, your faith will begin to be simple again.
Here’s another idea. Start listening for contrasts between the world’s message and Christ’s philosophy. You’ll be amazed.
For example, instead of being a couch potato, start really “watching” television. Listen to what is being said. Better yet, notice what is not being said. How did the rich and famous get those lifestyles? Did they manipulate their way to the top? What about all those “honest,” self-aware talk shows? Are they leading you to feed the flesh and encouraging you to fight selfishly for your own way? Think about the unending parade of award shows with their pride on display. Start paying close attention to what you are seeing and hearing.
Keep in mind the beatitudes and you’ll witness many contrary messages emerging in seminars you attend and in magazines you read, as well as in the daily newspaper. But unless you’re alert to these things, you’ll be squeezed into the world’s mold.
Ask the Lord to give you a redirection in life—to bring you back to simple faith. Simple faith, when put into action, results in a life worth living. I dare you to try it.
Taken from Simple Faith by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1991, 2003 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com
