Attitudes that are Good – and Rewarding

When we say someone has an attitude, we usually imply ‘a bad attitude.’ But there are plenty of good and rewarding attitudes as well. And some are surprising.

Jesus gave us a list of attitudes with their rewards as he began the Sermon on the Mount. Over the next few weeks, we will explore these attitudes in more depth but here is a preview of what’s to come!

Poor in spirit

Wait – that’s a state we find ourselves in. It is, but it is also a matter of attitude. When we recognize that we are not self-sufficient and that we need God, we adopt an attitude of having a poverty of spiritual vitality – a deep need for something only God can give.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 (ESV)

With that attitude, we have a profound blessing promised us by Jesus – the kingdom of heaven! The glory of the kingdom is our reward for being poor in spirit. Pride destroys the possibility of this great reward.

Mourning

We customarily think about mourning in terms of death. However, there are many reasons to mourn. The Bible has numerous mourning passages called laments. There is a whole book of laments (Lamentations). We mourn those loved one who have died.

We raise laments for those suffering, martyred, for our sins and for the sins of the church.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 (ESV)

God has promised us comfort in our lament. The honest expressions of our hearts – even negative expressions such as mourning are a reflection of who we are as created in God’s image. God understands our mourning and provides comfort.

Meek

Meek is not weak – it is power harnessed by self-control. It is a holy humility and it is essential for the follower of Jesus. To be meek is to not demand your way or even to be heard. It is to be dependent on God to help us. It is an honest recognition of the unbridgeable gap between our power and the power of God.

When we are meek, we imitate the life of Jesus. He was meek but almighty! He subjugated his will to the will of the Father. There is great reward in being meek.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 (ESV)

Hunger and thirst for righteousness

To be righteous is to be in right relationship with God, to live a life that is in step with his will, to be forgiven and made new in the image of his Son. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness is never-ending but also satisfied day by day! The more we experience the righteousness of God, the more we want – and the more he satisfies!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6 (ESV)

We need to remind ourselves that we have not arrived at the point that God wants us. We are not yet fully transformed in the wholeness of the full image of Christ. So stoking a continual hunger and thirst for righteousness is a very good thing.

Merciful

An attitude of mercy is what God has for us. We also are called upon to be merciful to others. We are to be forgiving, compassionate, helpful and encouraging. These are things we all need.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7 (ESV)

Our reward for being merciful is that we continue to receive mercy. As we follow Jesus we become more like him and we are certainly called upon repeatedly to be merciful.

Pure in heart

Again, this may not seem like an attitude. But the desire to be pure in heart is an attitude that nothing but purity of heart will satisfy us. Jesus was (and is) pure in heart. He was fully devoted to his Father’s will; he was sinless and perfectly obedient to the point of death. To be pure in heart is to have all sin removed and fully devoted to being set apart for God’s use.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 (ESV)

By implication, we must be pure in heart to see God. I am confused when people make excuses to continue a life of sin when they have been forgiven. We are human, we are subject to temptation, but we ought not to strive for reasons we might sin and instead strive to be pure in heart. John wrote his letter to the church so that they might not sin (1 John 2:10). Why believe that you will inevitably sin when you could agree with scripture and hold to the hope and experience of purity of heart?

Peacemaker

We live in a time when everyone wants to be heard and believes they should be. People have become more aggressive in stating their cases and demanding their way. Conflict is everywhere. Into this chaos, we are called to have the attitude that brings and promotes peace.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:9 (ESV)

God is a God of peace. He gives us peace as he adopts us as his children. Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit and it should flow out of our lives. Being a peacemaker means we are actively engaged in defusing conflict and bringing reconciliation. It means we don’t start a conflict or escalate one.

God wants us to be instruments of his peace in our conflict weary world. Pray that he will help you fulfill this vital mission.

Persecuted

Again, this isn’t so much an attitude but a willingness to remain faithful to God’s leadership in your life no matter what the circumstances. When we are totally committed to following Jesus, we will encounter opposition and even anger. In some places, that opposition might be violent and disruptive. How faithful are we?

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 (ESV)

Following Jesus is a lifetime of growth, blessing and sometimes extreme discomfort. However, in every circumstance and every season, God is faithful and good. He will be with us no matter what as we follow his perfect leadership. Let us continue to become devoted followers!

Your Turn

How are you doing in these eight areas? Occasionally, we need a spiritual tune up. If it is time for you to do that, take time, pray and recommit your way to the Lord.