I was rereading Jesus’ beatitudes the other day as well as looking what others have written about them. In his commentary on Matthew’s Gospel, Michael J. Wilkins has this chart that contrasts the blessings Jesus gives against the counter-values of our culture. Repenting of when I blindly pursue the attitudes on the left and celebrating the Spirit’s work of producing the virtues on the right, this little chart certainly got my attention…
| Our culture values… | Jesus blesses… |
| self-confidence, self-reliance | the poor in spirit |
| pleasure-seeking, hedonism, “the beautiful people” |
those who mourn |
| pride, power, importance | the meek |
| satisfaction in stuff, practicality, being “well adjusted” |
those who hunger and thirst for righteousness |
| self-righteousness, looking out for myself |
the merciful |
| “adult” content, broadmindedness | the pure in heart |
| competitiveness, aggression | the peacemakers |
| adaptability, popularity | those who are persecuted because of righteousness |
From Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew (NIVAC; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), p. 220. Wilkins first found this in L.O. Richards, The Teacher’s Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1987), p. 541.
Word art from Blogthechurch.
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4th Point 
Stark difference isn’t it?
A good challenge to us as believers to imitate Christ and not the world!
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