Life lessons from the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:6)
Have you ever gone to a friend’s house for dinner when you were absolutely starving only to be fed a salad? Even if it’s a fancy salad with a protein and lots of toppings, it’s disappointing as a main course. That’s because it never truly fills you up.
Of course, that’s physical fullness. In this passage, Jesus is talking about spiritual fullness, but the principle is the same. When you’re consuming the wrong thing, you will not feel fulfilled. That’s why Jesus says those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be blessed. They’ve figured out the secret to feeling fulfilled, and it’s not a new car, stacks of money, or even a circle of good friends. Fulfillment comes from a personal friendship with Jesus, who is perfectly good, pure, and moral. Temporary possessions, success, popularity, and money are enjoyable, but they will always leave you desiring more. If you want to be filled, pursue a transformative relationship with God that ultimately makes you more like Jesus. As you grow closer to Jesus, you will experience His kindness, selflessness, obedience, and godliness.
What’s the fourth key to happiness revealed by Jesus? Pursuing the good and holy things of God.
What do you most actively pursue in your life? How can you shift your focus to the things of God?