but at the same time I'm thankful that there are tests available that can detect a problem,
and then action that can be taken to rectify the situation. It is only those with a problem
that seek a solution. My mind went to my spiritual health this morning. What is available
to detect spiritual health problems, and what is the course of action required to obtain
the solutions?
There is only One that is qualified to diagnose our spiritual problems and that is the Great
Physician. Jesus said in Mark 2:17, "They that are whole have no need of the physician,
but they that are sick:" Just as with our physical health there are guidelines, for our blood
pressure, weight and so on, spiritually there are guidelines to watch to make sure that we
are in ultimate spiritual health.
Matthew 5:2 - 12 "And He (Jesus) opened His mouth, and taught them, saying,
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they
that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit
the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they
shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be
called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness
sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you,
and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding
glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which
were before you."
This is a long passage, but I want you to take note of a few things. These verses are known
as the Beatitudes. Beatitudes means the highest form of heavenly happiness; blessings
that are received due to particular virtues. These 8 Beatitudes of Christ can help determine
our spiritual health. Where do we need to devote more work and prayer?
1. Poor in spirit. This involves humility. To have poverty of spirit means that we are
completely empty of self and open to the blessed Word of God.
2. They that mourn. This is a deep sorrow over our individual sins. We shall be comforted
by the promised Comforter - the Holy Spirit of God.
3. To be meek. You've heard the saying, "Meek does not mean weak." Godly meekness
in our lives is the promoter of obedience to Him.
4. Hunger and thirst after righteousness. This is a continual desire for God, His Word
and fellowship and communion through prayer.
5. The merciful. This is a loving disposition toward all those that are suffering distress.
6. Pure in heart. This is to be free of selfishness. Pride is abased and Christ is glorified.
7. The peacemakers. One must first experience the inner peace that only comes from God
in order to pass it on to others.
8. Persecuted for righteousness sake. Those that live Godly lives will be persecuted by
the world.
So how do you measure up? I'm sure that if you are honest with yourself before God, you
will admit that each of these need to be worked on. We need God's help daily as we strive
to live for Him. All 8 of these Beatitudes are impossible to attain with His divine help. If
you look carefully, each one builds on the previous; we first need to be completely open
to God and to let Him work in our lives. When we do this we will have the proper view
of sin, and repentance will follow. Next we will be obedient to His Word. As we grow in
Him, our hunger and thirst for His word will deepen and we will become spiritually stronger.
The closer we get to Him the more we will experience His love for others. We will strive
more to glorify Him through our lives. His peace will be evident to others. And finally,
because of our testimony, we will be persecuted.
Take some time to honestly study your life. God will never dismiss an honest desire to
live for Him!
The Beauty of Jesus
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity:
O Thou Spirit divine, may I truly be Thine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Let my wonderful Savior be seen in me,
His amazing compassion and constancy:
His great love is my goal, by His Spirit's control,
Till my wonderful Savior be seen in me.
Let the fruit of the Spirit be seen in me,
Grant me grace all sufficient that I may be:
True and faithful each day, every step of the way,
Pointing souls to the Savior on Calvary.
Tom M. Jones
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