What should be the heart attitude of a person who is Christ follower? In Matthew 5:1-12, we read right eight principles given by Jesus as the attitudes for rightful living. They are commonly referred as “Beatitudes“. The first four beatitudes are more “inward” which reflects a persons inward character & the last four are more “outward” expressions of these “inward” characters.

Let’s look at the first four beatitudes in this blog

*** Shedding the “I” attitude ***
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)

Today the attitude of “I” is prevalent in the society. This self-centeredness creates a person who thinks he is self-sufficient and self-reliant. But one needs to realize his emptiness and his dependence to God. Jesus calls his followers to be “humble and contrite” in spirit. Today, as a society we promote complacency and self-focused efforts, but the sad reality is that there is a need to be humble and accept the fact of dependence with fellow humans and with God. Can we Shed our “I” attitude?

*** Moving away from an “It’s OK” attitude ***
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4)

Apart from “I” attitude, another common attitude we see in the society is the “It’s OK” attitude. It’s fine as long as you are not caught, as long as everyone does it that way. Jesus calls his followers to grieve over their (our) shortcomings, sins. Doing something wrong, short of being right doesn’t make one happy. When we are truly sorry for our wrong sinful actions we start looking to change & repent. As we look un to Jesus with that thought of repentance determined to adopt His ways, it certainly gives us happiness, a sense of relief and a sense of being forgiven. Yes we will be comforted as we mourn for our incorrect actions. Are we ready to shed the “It’s OK” attitude?

*** Get Rid of the “I Know all” attitude ***
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5)

Meekness is not weakness. It’s the opposite of the “I Know all” attitude of being proud, rebellious & independent. Jesus Christ described Himself as Meek (Matthew 11:29). Likewise, as followers of Christ, we should give up our own ways and seek God’s ways. God guides the meek people. The meek will inherit the earth. In a sense, the meek have already inherited the eath. Because they know Christ reigns over the earth and are satisfied with all things. Paul writes to Corinthians as Christ’s followers we having nothing, and yet possessing everything (2 Corinthians 6:10). We need to be strong, confident in our body and mind, but the most important thing is to let God controls us. It is the only way to be inwardly happy.

*** Come out of the “I Want” attitude ***
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6)

We grew up with an attitude to get yours while you can. Money brings happiness is what we think. However our thirst and hunger of right living is what will please God and give us peace. We will be filled with satisfaction in our life. When we take delight in doing Lord’s will, he will give us the desires of our heart (Psalms 37:4). Can we come out of the “I want” attitude?