The sermon on the mount is so fun to read! The language is so simple and poetic. One piece in the beginning stuck out to me for some reason. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God." For pretty much my entire life, I have really concentrated on being a peacemaker. I think a lot of it is my personality, but I am very grateful for my ability to settle contention among others. I felt really good reading this little bit and felt like it applied to me. I know there are a lot of areas that could use quite a bit of work, so it nice to feel like I have made some progress in this area of peacemaking. Furthermore, I realize that peacemaking is definitely a Christ-like attribute. Christ is the Prince of Peace. It just kinda clicks just now thinking about that.
Following the "blessed are the..." intro is one of my favorite pieces of scripture. It is very motivational to me to read that I should "let my light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." I want to be proud of who I am, a son of God, and who I am as a representative of the church and disciple of Christ. Not proud in the sense that Mormons often use it as, in a negative way (i.e. Pride Cycle). In fact the last part of the scripture addresses avoiding that type of pride. It says that men may glorify your FATHER. We can be great people and do great things, but it is all because of our Father in Heaven.
Another thing that I really enjoy about the Sermon on the Mount is that some of its teachings replace/transcend the Mosaic Law. The new law is much more profound, living, and full of light and it is exciting to see this change take place in the scriptures. I am grateful for the greater law today.
No comments:
Post a Comment