A Blessed Life in a Broken World

There are moments and situations in the national and global spheres that capture our hearts and minds. One such moment has been the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk and the aftermath of how we as a nation have responded to it. It is something that many Christians are thinking and talking about. Opinions and views on this event range broadly. Some are annoyed that this event is getting so much attention while others feel a loss. Some are afraid of the repercussions while others are wanting to call for action. Some feel attacked and some feel like attacking. Many feel misunderstood. Many are convinced their view is right and other views are wrong.

Much of the disagreements on the surface reveal a deeper fissure over what people believe to be the best or most blessed life and how to achieve it as individuals and as a nation.

In the midst of a widening divide, I believe it is pivotal to remain rooted in Scripture and its definition of a blessed life. Jesus spoke a lot about a blessed life. Perhaps His most memorable teaching on the topic of a blessed life is found in Matthew 5. As you read and reflect on this passage may you find comfort, courage, clarity, and hope.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

-Matthew 5:3

Those who are discouraged among us have been promised an eternal kingdom. There are so many reasons to feel depleted as we look at our nation and the world around us. It can be even more discouraging to look at our personal lives. God cares about us and promises an incredible kingdom, His kingdom. When it feels like the life that seems best to us both personally and within our nation is slipping away, we may be encouraged knowing that God is preparing an eternal kingdom for us. Not only that, but His kingdom represents a place of belonging for us right now. When we look at parts of our lives and nation that make us feel isolated and alone, remember that Christ invites us to belong to a “kingdom not of this world” (John 18:36). In what ways does being a citizen of heaven impact how you face discouragement?

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

-Matthew 5:4

Those who mourn can find comfort. Some are mourning an assassination of someone who articulated their convictions. Others are mourning what they feel is unfounded adoration towards someone who spoke against their convictions. There are heavy hearts in our church. God’s desire is for those who mourn to be comforted. We should wish the same for those around us. God loves you and wants to comfort you. Where in your life are you in need of the comfort God longs to give you? Who do you know that is mourning who needs God’s comfort (even if they are mourning for something you don’t mourn for)?

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”

-Matthew 5:5

It is the meek that will be given the earth as an inheritance. In moments where we are

tempted to boldly fight to create a kingdom on earth that seems best to us, it is important to remember that this earth has been ransomed by the blood of Christ and that ultimately, it is not something to be fought over; it is an inheritance to be received. Christ makes it clear that it is those who are meek, who are not demanding, that are given freely what others so desperately fight for. In what ways may you be trading the inheritance God wants to give you for a battle you are not called to fight?

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

-Matthew 5:6

It is those who hunger and thirst for righteousness that are promised to be filled. Not every hunger and thirst we experience is from God. Not every desire we have will be satiated. Not all dreams we have will come to fruition. A full life is lived by the one who pursues after what God wants to give: His righteousness. That pursuit should be our primary calling (Matthew 6:33). Oftentimes, righteousness is not lost because we abandon it but because we let other pursuits crowd it out (Matthew 13:22). What do your worries, sorrows, joys, frustrations reveal to be your greatest hunger?

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

-Matthew 5:7

Mercy is promised to those who are merciful. We are in need of mercy. As Christians, we have received mercy. We are walking close to God in those moments where we show unmerited mercy to others. The giving of mercy does not require calling what is wrong right. It does not require agreeing with something you don’t agree with. It requires walking with Christ on the often-difficult road of giving what is underserved, often at a cost to you. How may God be calling you to show mercy in a situation that doesn’t deserve it? In someone’s opinion that doesn’t deserve it? In someone’s action that doesn’t deserve it?

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”

-Matthew 5:8

The pure in heart will see God. There are no shortcuts on the path to seeing God face-to-face. For the Christian, the end cannot justify any means that are less than the pure righteousness shown and provided to us by Christ. Do not believe the lie that advocating what you believe to be a God-honoring agenda is so important that how the agenda is accomplished is of secondary importance. Dishonesty, ungodliness, hatred, and unkindness are just a few of the toxins God doesn’t want in your heart. If you are brought to a fork in the road where advancing a belief causes you to compromise the purity of your heart…always choose to protect your heart in Christ. Keep your heart pure. In what ways may the pursuit of something you believe to be good have compromised the purity of your heart?

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

-Matthew 5:9

Those who are called the sons of God will be peacemakers. In a world that is characterized more and more by divisiveness, we are called to be known for our ability to bring the peaceful fruit of God’s Spirit into the midst of disagreements. Children of God do not believe peace is only for the victor of the battle. Instead, the pursuit of peace, particularly among fellow believers, is a battle itself worth fighting. When was the last time you thought about how to bring God’s peace into a disagreement?

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

-Matthew 5:10

The kingdom of heaven is for those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Christians are not weak. They are called to be strong but persecution is a one-way battle, not a fight. More and more Christians seem to feel the need to fight against persecution by taking aim at those they believe to be their enemies. The path towards the kingdom of heaven does not require that we vanquish all of our enemies. It requires that we protect the gift of righteousness that has been given to us. In what ways do you believe your beliefs are being persecuted? In what ways have you turned a call to endure persecution into a call to fight those who persecute you?

For those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger for righteousness, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who are peacemakers, and persecuted: the kingdom of God is yours today and always. In Christ, you have a place in His kingdom.

May you find comfort in Christ.

May you find clarity in His words.

May you find your greatest hope in the kingdom prepared for you.