Recognizing Our True Condition

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5 (<--- remember to click on the reference to see the entire scripture.)

Focus Verses:
Matthew 5: 3-5  “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
    For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
    For they shall inherit the earth.

Do you know the way to true blessedness?  Jesus teaches us three things about good spiritual health. 

1.  To see ourselves as we really are.  When we realize that we need God as the focus of our lives we see ourselves as we really are: a sinner, in need of God's forgiveness.  To realize your need of God is to see that you are spiritually bankrupt.  We have nothing without Him.

2.  Take action and turn.  When we see ourselves as we really are, we are sorry for our condition. Then this leads us to take action and make changes in our lives.  2 Corinthians 7:10 says  "For God can use sorrow in our lives to help us turn away from sin and seek salvation.  We will never regret that kind of sorrow.  But sorrow without repentance is the kind that results in death."  Our true sorrow will lead to joy and salvation in Jesus Christ as well as a changed life.

3.  Pursue meekness.  We will no longer have pride in our lives.  This contradicts the way the world thinks; standing up for our rights, putting ourselves above others, always wanting to win arguments.  The meekness that Jesus describes here is not weakness, but rather power under constraint.  Much like a big horse controlled by a small  bit in his mouth.

When we recognize our true condition, we humble ourselves and confront our weaknesses.  We will see a change in our lives as we rely on God's power in our meekness. We will be happier with ourselves and others.

Bobby Johnson
Interlocking Ministries