Getty Images
artpipi E+
Yes, happiness is a VERY good thing. For those of us who have a personal relationship with Jesus. Happiness has an even more magnificent meaning— blessed.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus lists the eight principles of “biblical happiness”— The Beatitudes.
- Blessed are the spiritually poor. The Kingdom of heaven is theirs.
- Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted.
- Blessed are the meek and gentle. They will inherit the earth.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. They will be filled.
- Blessed are the merciful. They will be shown mercy.
- Blessed are those who are pure in heart. They will see God.
- Blessed are the peacemakers. They will be called children of God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness. The kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Blessed are the spiritually poor. The Kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Too many believers erroneously believe that humility is fading into the background. Becoming invisible. They have forgotten that they “are the light of the world. Like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand. Where it gives light to everyone in the house.”
Hear me loud and clear. Humility and a “doormat mentality” are not synonymous. Humility is not thinking less of you but thinking less often of yourself and more often of others. Only in the absence of arrogance, conceit and self-importance can you receive from God His grace— His strength that empowers you to die to self.
Individuals passionately pursuing the Lord and His Kingdom have discovered death to self isn’t optional. Unless you are willing to allow the Lord to be the teacher and you the student. The mysteries of the Kingdom will remain hidden from you.
Humility acknowledges
- the Lord’s prerogative to bless His children with different gifts and isn’t threatened or jealous of the gifts of others.
- the fragility and impotence of man and the majesty and sovereignty of the Lord.
- all people, including the chosen people of God, are to humble themselves and serve others. Including those of different ethnic, cultural, sexual persuasion or religious backgrounds.
- that Jesus alone is Truth, not politically correct, humanistic or hypocritical religious doctrine.
- spiritual growth isn’t defined by perfectionism but by allowing the Lord to lead you where He chooses.
Celebrate who you are by shouting to God “You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise You because of the wonderful way You created me. Everything You do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from You! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with Your own eyes You saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, You had written in Your book everything I would do.”
Yes, you are special. Not because of who you are, but because of who your Daddy is— Almighty God!
Matthew 5:14-15 (New Living Translation)
Psalm 139:13-16 (Contemporary English Version)
Thanks for listening to my voice! Feel free to like and share it with your friends.
Have a terrific Thursday! Rita
Be the VOICE heard amidst the deafening sound of sameness!
letsloveothers 