When I think of Kingdom living, I think of the Beatitudes. Found in their entirety in the fifth chapter of Matthew, they describe a way of life that goes far beyond the self-righteousness of man’s religion.

There are entire books written on the Beatitudes, and there is much to study in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that contains them.

Today though, as we read them once again in church, I thought about what they mean in my life.

• To see myself as the sinner that I am, while rejoicing in the Savior Who has rescued me
• To sorrow over sin, both my own and in the world around me
• To live humbly before God and man
• To seek His way and His righteousness, rather than depending on my own
• To live out His mercy
• To live in purity, before God and the world
• To share the peace of God wherever I am
• To gladly bear the stigma of the name of Jesus Christ.

This is the essence of Kingdom living. This is the essence of a walk with Christ.

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

⁴ Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Photo – Montana Feast, Eddy Mims