The Sermon on the Mount

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The Sermon on the Mount contains moral teachings, or the beatitudes, that have challenged and inspired Christians since the time they were spoken. The beatitudes are a foundation to building a home in Heaven. When you read the beatitudes without studying their meaning, some of them may sound contradictory. To most people’s way of thinking, to be blessed is to be happy, however that may not always be the case. The lessons we learn, and the faith we find in Christ, from our struggles can bring us hidden blessings. If we look at being blessed as living life to the fullest, regardless of our situation, then the beatitudes become a little easier to understand which in turn makes it easier to learn to depend on God.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” (Women's Devotional Bible, Matthew 5.3) In today’s world we don’t associate the word poor with blessed, in any fashion. Whether we are talking about life in general or a person’s spirit we think blessed are the rich. Today’s culture does not celebrate a person who needs help. We have adopted the “I can do it myself” attitude. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that God helps those who help themselves, yet we hear that phrase all the time. Being poor in spirit means that you are at a point where you are broke, you can’t fix your problems and you have to ask for help. That is hard for people when you live in a world where we are all about appearing like we have it all together. If a person tries to do it all themselves, they run the risk of becoming frustrated and worn out instead of blessed. When you reach the end of your rope and turn it over to God that is when you’ll find your hidden blessing.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforte...

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...thers may mock you and call you names. You have to be strong because Jesus tells us to “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matt, 5:12)
Today’s society leans strongly on independence, yet Christ asks us to depend on him.
Whether you are a follower of Christ or not, the beatitudes can reward you. If you are a follower of Christ, you know your reward will be great, eternal life in the new Heaven. If you are not a follower of Christ, your reward will come in the physical life. The reward will be short lived, as your physical life on earth is nothing but a blink of the eye compared to your eternal life. When looked at in that aspect I’d say a little dependence can go a long way.

Works Cited

Women's Devotional Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. Print. New Intl. Vers.

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