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. (Daddy’s Favorite)
Blessed are those who mourn. They will be comforted. (It’s On!)
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 meek and gentle. They will inherit the earth.
Say the word meek, and images of weaklings immediately come to mind. The kid on the beach getting sand kicked in his face. The high school geek being shoved into his locker. The hen pecked husband who cowers under his wife’s glare. It’s not a pretty sight.
However, in biblical times meekness was honored and valued because it didn’t denote weakness but controlled strength. A condition of the heart that makes one impervious to the negative influences of conflict and uncertainty.
For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus, the building blocks of meekness are repentance and trials and tribulations.
REPENTANCE
Experiences that produce a “soul purifying” sorrow, not a “shame on me” sorrow. “Now this type of deep sorrow, godly sorrow is not so much about regret; but it is about producing a change of mind and behavior that ultimately leads to salvation. But the other type of sorrow, worldly sorrow often is fleeting and only brings death.” Godly sorrow recognizes and is awed by God’s holiness and amazing love for us, His imperfect children.
TRIALS and TRIBULATIONS
Trials and tribulations are your heart’s emery board. They smooth away those imperfections that would interfere with you ability to walk in your Kingdom destiny with honor and holiness. Imperfections such as self-centeredness… self-consciousness… self-deprecation… self-destruction… self-doubt… self-focus… self-glorification… self-hate… self- importance… self-pity… self-reproach… self-righteousness… self-reliance… self-seeking… self-serving… self-sufficiency.
Although meekness is available to all. It’s a requirement for all Kingdom spiritual giants. Who’s ready to take the Meekness Oath and become a spiritual giant?
I do solemnly vow to passionately seek and obey God’s will. I will go where He leads no matter the cost. I will remain obedient despite financial and relational risks. I will shrug off others ridicule, doubt and lack of support. I will vehemently oppose evil— sin by confronting the wisdom of man with God’s Truth, even at the expense of my reputation. I will remain content regardless of my circumstances. Whether it be prosperity or poverty. I will be a peacemaker, not a warmonger. I will discipline my emotions, my tongue and my thoughts when all hell is breaking loose around me. I will be steadfast in the midst of upheaval. Knowing that God is omnipotent and has my best interests at heart. I will live a life of excellence even when breakthrough appears distant and unattainable? I will proudly wear the badge of meekness. So help me God.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (The Voice)
Thanks for listening to my voice! Feel free to like and share it with your friends.
Have a great day! Rita
Be the VOICE heard amidst the deafening sound of sameness!
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