Living by the Beatitudes.

Wednesday 11^th September 2019. Read Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 145 and Luke 6:20-26.

_“Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. *(Colossians 3:1-2)*_

Recently I saw a video clip online wherein the speaker called for Christians to re-examine their faith, especially in this age and time. He made a fundamental statement that really got me thinking. Christians today are seeking for miracles (external manifestations of power, supernatural events and so on) whereas the only miracles we should be looking for is that which happens inside of us; the miracle of change; the miracle of repentance.

We live in an age where pastors have been turned into supermen, magicians and even entertainment stars. These days, people go to church as they go to the cinema just to catch some fun and enjoy the show. They return home worse sinners than they came; nothing changes inside them.

Sadly, there are even some Christians who quote from the Bible only when they are trying to argue and fight about doctrines. In the attempt to prove all other Christians wrong, they keep asking: “where is such and such practice in the Bible?” meanwhile their very lives do not even reflect the Bible they read. Why would Christians be fighting over the Bible, questioning the doctrines of others with minds full of wrath and hatred? How do you hope to convert a single soul by a heart full of hate?

In today’s first reading, St. Paul clearly defines the true essence of Christianity when he said: “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above… put to death what is earthly in you: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness which is idolatry. Put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and foul talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another.”

Time has come for us Christians and especially those of us who are black Africans to stop sitting on the fence. It is either we reject the faith entirely and start following our traditional belief systems or we become true Christians. This may sound harsh but the earlier we face the fact, the better for us. If any of the above-mentioned vices still exist in your life, just know that you are not yet a Christian.

Forget about the title you hold in your Church, forget about the many miracles you have worked (or have witnessed), if there is no change in your character, you are yet to witness any miracle. If your going to church is all about what you want God to do for you (the miracles and blessings you seek) or about your desire to feel good (dance and forget your sorrows), if there is no commitment on your part to live just like Christ, you are not yet a Christian.

Life in this part of the world today is like living in hell just because there are many leaders and followers who claim to be Christians but do not really care about imitating Jesus Christ. Many Christian leaders and followers steal heavily what is meant for all forgetting that so long as there is one hungry stomach, no one can have a full stomach. A show like “Big Brother” is popular even among Christians just because of one thing – money (the idol our society worships).

Rather than act as the moral conscience of our society, churches today are more concerned about filling up seats and as such, God’s word is turned upside down to suit the listeners. Immorality, passion, greed, hatred, falsehood, anger, foul talk etc. are now even justified using the same Bible. Armed robbers now visit “men of God” for “anointing” before going to operate.

Over two thousand years ago, Jesus gave us the beatitudes which may be referred to as the be-attitudes of his followers; that is to say, the attitudes that we must possess. The question for me now is: “How many of these beatitudes are present in my life?”

Let us pray: Let Jesus, work in me a miracle; change my heart completely and make me more like you. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 23rd week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Colossians 3:1-11, Psalm 145 and Luke 6:20-26).