The Beatitudes challenge us to live like people in whom the Spirit of God is at work. Since none of us possesses any of the beatitudes at birth, we must receive them by trust in Christ and practice them in obedience to His instructions. The beatitudes describe men and women in whom the Holy Spirit has brought about a change of heart leading to a change in character. A change in character should produce a change in conduct. The more our character is shaped by trust in Christ, the more our conduct will reflect obedience to His instruction.