Cross Balance

Eight happy attitudes towards God

(Matthew 6)

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount included eight beatitudes.
They are in fact complete guidelines, or happy attitudes, to living as God intended.
Although at first glance they may seem difficult to understand,
an interpretation is given below which makes the meaning clear
– based on one which Selwyn Hughes has given it his EDWJ notes.
Not only do they go in logical order,
but also they appear to lead us around the personality types as shown above
(I have used one word to summarise each attitude).

Blessed are …                for …

SUCCOUR
…the poor in spirit…theirs is the kingdom of heaven
I can't make it on my own - help!

SORROW
…those who mourn…they will be comforted
I'm sorry - forgive me for what I have done wrong

TRUST
…the meek…they will inherit the earth
I trust you, and will try not to do things my way

DESIRE
…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…they will be filled
I really want to do what is right, your way.

GRACE
…the merciful…they will be shown mercy
I want to think of others the way you think of me

PURITY
…the pure in heart…they will see God
I want to think only about good things         

PEACE
…the peacemakers…they will be called sons of God
I will try to mend relationships wherever I find them damaged

DEVOTION
…those who are persecuted for righteousness sake…theirs is the kingdom of heaven
I won't give up on the above, even if it kills me!

AND BACK AGAIN....
...the poor in spirit…theirs is the kingdom of heaven
I can't do any of the above on my own - help - again!

A candle uses many faculties to stimulate worship.
We observe the light, heat, movement and smell of the flame.
These stimulate thought and reflection on how we express Jesus as light of the world,
showing the way in which we should move ahead.