Weekend Talk: Those who are blessed
MAY I please crave your indulgence in imitating the great Beatitudes ever delivered? The Lord Jesus uttered those bold blessings to those with ears to hear, drawing them closer to His kingdom while still on earth.
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Here is my version of the Beatitudes, a local version if you like, not as bold and divine as our Lord expressed them, but containing thoughts that may resonate with us.
Many blessings
• Blessed are those who control their tongues so that their conversations are seasoned with salt –tasty and delightful – for to them shall be calmness for their souls.
• Blessed are the joyful at heart, even in the midst of challenges, for they shall reap vigour because the joy of the Lord is our strength. Weakness awaits the melancholic, for a downcast outlook enhances feebleness.
• Blessed are those who do not show their anger at once when provoked but rather overlook the insult, for they are prudent and will prevent many troubles. As for those who have short tempers, their lot is constant fights and emotional bruises.
• Blessed are those whose thoughts are devoid of evil imaginations, for they will have a clear conscience and the boldness to approach God. For those who load their mind with impure thoughts, theirs is an abundance of worries.
Clean hands
• Blessed are those who have clean hands – hands that have not received or given inducements or touched contaminated objects –they shall receive God’s handshake and divine goodies.
• Blessed are those who cast their worries and cares upon the Lord, for they shall receive relief to help deal with life’s anxieties. Why bear your hefty load when someone more capable has offered to carry them for us?
• Blessed are those who do not consent when sinners entice them and try to lead them astray, for they shall overcome temptations and be victorious in living for the Lord. Those who are vigilant can tell when they are being enticed and quickly turn back from slipping.
• Blessed are the humble who take to their heels when pride approaches, for they shall receive grace from the Lord. For God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
Promoting unity
• Blessed are those who promote unity in the family, workplace and the nation, for they shall be called builders not destroyers of society. When the home is not in order, the outside is a jungle, but harmony is one antidote to chaotic living.
• Blessed are those who offer a gentle response to provocation, for they shall avert wrath and be called people of peace. Since there are always better ways to approach disagreements, why choose vexation that only prolongs and promotes quarrels?
• Blessed are those who draw closer to the God of all creation by prayer and by his word, by fellowship and by right living, for they shall be like the chicks that receive the best from mother hen by proximity.
• Blessed are those who observe creation and, like the psalmist, declare the glory of the Creator and proclaim the works of his hands, for they shall be beneficiaries of his creative powers. Even younger ones sing, “Thank you for the world so sweet” and enjoy creation’s wonderful delights.
Walking in the light
• Blessed are those who walk in the light of the Lord and avoid darkness, for they shall be guarded by a lamp unto their feet so they can escape physical and spiritual wounds. Why walk in darkness when the Lord Jesus is our light? Darkness is a metaphor for evil while light is a metaphor for good.
• Blessed are the people of the Good Shepherd’s pasture, for they shall be led along still waters where they can drink deep to their satisfaction and have their spiritual thirsts quenched.
• Blessed are those who do not turn their hearts away when they hear the needy cry, for they will someday cry and be heard in heaven.
• Blessed are those who do not set traps for others to fall in, for they shall save their feet from slipping into enemy traps.
Looking down
• Blessed are those who do not look down on others, for they shall be in God’s good book. The only time to look down at anybody is when they have fallen and we are picking them up.
• Blessed are seekers of God’s kingdom and those who long for his righteousness, for to them shall be added all other godly things that connect them to eternal life.
• Blessed are the prayerful, who do so fervently, for they shall be heard and to them the windows of heaven shall be opened.
• Blessed are you if your peers and acquaintances think you are nuts, a “krife” person who has missed out on life’s pleasures, for to you God’s kingdom awaits.
The writer is a publisher, author, writer-trainer and CEO of Step Publishers.
E-mail: [email protected]
