Am I Living a Life Worthy of Rewards?
Heart Prep
Lord, help me to clear my mind of any distractions. Help me to read the Scripture carefully and make sure that I read what is actually there, not what I think might be there.
Matthew 5:1-2 "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down,
His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,..."
As Christians, we are called to live a life that is pleasing unto the Lord. “The Beatitudes,” in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, clearly describe the rewards that will be ours, as Believers and loyal followers of Christ.
We can find three general observations about what Jesus was sharing. First, Jesus gives us eight character traits we should all strive to possess. It is important that we understand that we cannot pick and choose the ones we like and ignore the rest. Jesus clearly tells us that all these qualities, when mixed together, lead to a balanced lifestyle which pleases Him.
Second, these character traits lead to an inner happiness. Herein lie the fundamental attitudes that, when pursued and experienced, will bring great gratification and satisfaction. Nothing on earth can compare with this fulfillment that Jesus offers. Read verses 3-10 again, and notice how each description begins. “Blessed are....” Eight times Jesus says this. Christians who choose to adopt these attitudes will find true and lasting happiness in and through Jesus.
Third, each character trait comes with a promise. Notice how each ends: “…for theirs shall be…” or “…they shall….” Eight times Jesus gives a promise. Go back and read verses 3-10 again and note each promise. Jesus offers a specific benefit or reward for each character trait.
Read verses 11 and 12 and take heart in knowing that, because you are a Christian, your reward in heaven will be great. Any hardship you may have endured because of your belief in Christ is “not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in (you) (Romans 8:18).”
Life Application
Who am I trying to please in the way I live my life?
Am I more concerned with what others think about how I live than I am about what Jesus thinks?
Am I willing to live a life that pleases Him?