The Blessed Ones

"Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your rewards in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.""

- The poor in spirit--those who recognize their complete spiritual poverty--are the first to be singled out as blessed because it is only when someone recognizes their own helplessness that they are able to completely depend on God. Jesus pronounces blessings on those who mourn; the genuinely humble; those who long for righteousness; those who are merciful; those who are clean in their mind, will, and emotions; those who make peace; and those who suffer for the sake of righteousness. They are blessed, for they have a great reward in heaven--and a great reason to rejoice.

Because of Who You Are

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

- Followers of Christ are to be like salt and light to all the earth: fighting decay by preserving what is good, replacing blandness with flavor, illuminating the way, and driving out darkness. Jesus is giving His disciples counter-cultural commands while at the same time telling them not to withdraw from the world. Being a follower of Christ makes you like a town built on a hill--you cannot be hidden. you will give light. As His follower, you are not to be the same as those around you, but to be light where there is darkness. Like the moon  reflects the sun, your life should reflect and point to the Father in heaven so that those who witness your way of life will give Him glory.