As Christians we are called to think differently everywhere we go. We are to be different at work, different in the classroom, different at home, different in the neighborhood and different when we play. These beatitudes of Jesus don’t get any easier. Being humble and admitting being spiritually busted unless connected to Christ, (“blessed are the poor in spirit”) is not the end of it though. When we mourn over sin (ours and others’), that godly sorrow leads us progressively to repentance and growth -- “blessed are those that mourn!”

There is a time to cry…. We can talk about it this coming Sunday.

Just acknowledging our spiritual poverty is not enough. It must come with deep conviction and sorrow over rebellion against God. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” The comfort that was promised in this next beatitude is not primarily referring to mourning the loss of a loved one, but rather mourning about your sin, and mourning the loss of innocence, decency, honesty and self-respect. When we come to terms with the damage we have inflicted on others and to ourselves, a truly repentant person will grieve. That is the paradox here, -- happy are the unhappy. Patriarchs of the Old Testament wept, King David wept, the prophets wept, the psalmist wept, Jesus wept, and Paul wept.

Have you ever had a good cry over your sin and that pushy, self-will nature that flows through all our veins? “Godly grief” is the sorrow of a repentant heart.

Parents often ask -- Did you wash your hands? Have you done your homework? What time did you get home? A bigger question is “What are you going to be when you grow up? God is even more interested in our decisions, but his “grow up” plan takes on more dimensions than just a physical or economical view of life. God cares about “What are you going to be spiritually?” What are your spiritual goals? So, what does the spiritual life look like actually lived out? Jesus answered those questions in the Sermon on the Mount.

Many people have opinions about how we should conduct our lives, and those opinions vary greatly. We really need to go to the ultimate authority and ask God, “Lord, what do you want me to be when I grow up?” Jesus explained what He wants in the most famous teaching He ever gave, which is perhaps the most famous message ever given by anyone on how to live.

The Sermon on the Mount is a challenge to everyone on how to live life. Jesus set the eternal criteria. We are challenged to THINK DIFFERENTLY and not follow the standards of the world but to implement a new view of how to do life well.

When Jesus had finished talking, the crowds were amazed at His teaching, because “He taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law." May we all continue to be amazed at His teaching and follow the principles that He taught in the Sermon on the Mount!

People often comment that our government is broken. There is a cry for change, something new, something different. It is not surprising that we search for something better than the disappointment or frustration of present situations. Generally, we’d prefer a quick fix, some material betterment, but few of us really address core issues that need to be resolved in order to accomplish real, long-lasting change.

The conversion of the Apostle Paul is an inspiring example for people interested in changing their lives. In reviewing what happened with Paul, we can discover some major principles for true transformation, not just temporary relief.

We recognize that change is the main constant in life. So we all need to plan for and be ready for it. Who couldn’t use some insight on facing change…it is heading your way!