Upside Down

I love being married to Matt. There are a hundred reasons why he lights up my life and brings me such joy, but one of the superficial benefits of marrying my stud is that my library of Christian literature grew by about 1,000 (or more). Yesterday as I was reading through the beatitudes I glanced over to the stack of books next to the fridge and noticed a commentary on Matthew. . . This morning I decided to read more in Matthew 5 and simply headed to the extensive collection in our basement to find another author's interpretation of the mind blowing sermon Jesus gave.

The bible study I got my hands on today brought one of my favorite truths of life in Christ to light through the message of the beatitudes. What is it?

The upside down nature of the kingdom of God.

What do I mean by that? Well, if you look at the things this world values and compare them to the things that God values, you'll find almost nothing in common. This world says that popularity, wealth, comfort, laughter and reputation are the most important ingredients to a satisfying life. Our God says that when we recognize our lowly state, when we mourn over the sin in our hearts, when in humility we long for the righteousness only God can give. . . well, that it is then that we are blessed.

Just read through Matthew 5:3-12. Does it sound in any way like something you would hear on Oprah or Dr. Phil? Not a chance, my friend. God's ways are not our ways. His thoughts are different than ours. . . and I, for one, am immensely grateful for that.

In all honesty, I think our initial reaction to God's upside down ways depends a lot on our experiences here on earth. Growing up I didn't possess a lot of the worldly values that define success. My reality was quite the opposite, actually. As a result, when I learned that my lack of popularity and wealth meant absolutely nothing to God; that my place in His kingdom is based on a completely different scale. . . well, I was thrilled!

But what if you are popular? What if you have collected great wealth, enjoy lavish comfort and high esteem? How do you feel then when God says that those things don't matter? What is your initial reaction when Jesus actually suggests that those things might be your downfall?

It isn't so easy to swallow the upside down values of God when you've got the world's values in your back pocket. And even though I find great relief in knowing that I don't have to live up to this world's standards, I am often still tempted to try.

This morning take some time and meditate on Matthew 5:3-12. Ask yourself where you're at when it comes to the standards of God's kingdom verses the standards of the world. How much are we living like the world instead of like Christ?

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 sons 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 reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.