I felt repressed in what I wanted for myself, repressed in being what I wanted to be. I felt very strongly that this is about my own character building and should not be about hurting some one's feelings. My next thought was that I really wanted to be pure-hearted. And because I am talking about being, what about the beatitudes? Isn't that about being? Hmmm!
Here are the beatitudes from the Message ...
1. "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.
2. "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
3. "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
4. "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
5. "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
6. "You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
7. "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
8. "You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
Matt 5:13-16
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-Flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-Colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
But I like how the older versions of the Bible say it about the pure heart:
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Then this is said better in the older versions too!
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
So I must be in the business of building my character and not let anyone distract me from doing so. Character building is a lot like how I feel about dreams and passions. You must go for it - stay focused! Let no one get in your way! I must be a pureheart. I must be salty. Everything must aline. I must be able to say what I believe and my actions must prove my speech. If I keep this first and formost then anyone who comes in my space (home) will will feel God's Light....
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