Read: Matthew 5:3-10

In a recent devotional in Our Daily Bread, David H. Roper shared some interesting thoughts from Matthew 5 and the beatitudes on what it looks like to be an authentic Christian.  He writes….

“I applied for a position in a Christian organization years ago and was presented with a list of legalistic rules having to do with the use of alcohol, tobacco, and certain forms of entertainment. “We expect Christian behavior from our employees” was the explanation. I could agree with this list because I, for reasons mostly unrelated to my faith, didn’t do those things. But my argumentative side thought, Why don’t they have a list about not being arrogant, insensitive, harsh, spiritually indifferent, and critical? None of these were addressed.

Following Jesus can’t be defined by a list of rules. It’s a subtle quality of life that’s difficult to quantify but can best be described as “beautiful.”  The Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3–10 sum up that beauty: Those who are indwelt by and dependent on the Spirit of Jesus are humble and self-effacing. 

They’re deeply touched by the suffering of others. They’re gentle and kind. They long for goodness in themselves and in others. They’re merciful to those who struggle and fail. They’re single-minded in their love for Jesus. They’re peaceful and leave behind a legacy of peace. They’re kind to those who misuse them, returning good for evil. And they’re blessed, a word that means “happy” in the deepest sense.  This kind of life attracts the attention of others and belongs to those who come to Jesus and ask Him for it.”  David’s thoughts are good things to consider when we think about what is right and wrong in our world.  Let’s look like Jesus authentically through and through!

Make It Personal: The kind of life described in the beatitudes and in the devotional above attracts the attention of others and belongs to those who come to Jesus and ask Him for it.  Which attributes from Matthew 5 do you especially need in your life?  How can you grow in this?