By Michael Crandall
Senior Pastor, Hillcrest Baptist Church, Dyersburg
Focal Passage: Matthew 5:1-12
When someone looks at you, what do they see. Do they see a person who has walked through life leaning on and trusting in God? Or do they see a person that has tried to walk through life all alone? A person looking at us should see God in us, and that is hard for some believers.
What do you think of when you think of character? Character is a trait that is taught to us and we either have a good character or a bad character. The believer should always possess a godly character. In Matthew 5, God shares with us what we should look like as a believer.
“When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
This passage of Scripture shares with the believers exactly what God desires in us. One of my personal favorites is in verse seven “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” When I was growing up I had what some would call a difficult childhood, but to me it was normal. Looking back at my life I am thankful for the ones who reached out to me with mercy. I had a few people along the way who were willing to care for me even when they did not have to.
Another favorite is verse 10, “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” As a believer there have been times when people have not always treated me with the same treatment as others because of my faith. And when I was younger I would often want to give up. Then I read this verse and it gave me courage to continue to stand for what is right!
Knowing God “will never leave or forsake us” should help mold our character to be exactly what He desires for it to be.
