Attitude Adjustments from the Beatitudes

Jesus taught his disciples about the priorities of his Father's kingdom by teaching them the beatitudes. Sometimes they described priorities opposite of what we might expect, and they always showed that blessings come from assuming a Christ-like attitude. Here are some beatitudes that can change your attitude to be more like Jesus:

"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and His rule" (Matthew 5:3).

Being at the end of your rope certainly doesn't feel like a blessing! Whether you are a parent, spouse, or child, everyone can see our human frailties when we are at our wit's end. But this is the best time according to Jesus. We are now out of His way enough to let Him do what only He can do.

"You're blessed when you feel that you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you" (Matthew 5:4).

Perhaps a child has broken a favorite toy, or your spouse has lost their job. Maybe you have had choice words with a family member or friend. It is in these dark moments that you can allow the Comforter to heal your wounds. Drawing close to God during times of loss gains us more than we have ever had before. He is our sufficiency. In Him we can be truly satisfied.

"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought" (Matthew 5:5).

We all struggle with identity. Why am I like this? Why can't we be more like the rich and famous? Thin, beautiful, funny, successful? It is difficult to keep a good attitude about ourselves when we are discontent and comparing ourselves with others. Appreciate the gifts in life with which you currently find yourself. More than likely it is a springboard for better things to come.

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat" (Matthew 5:6).

It is important that you keep reminding yourself and your family members that it is really God that we all crave. It is true that we try to fill God shaped holes with houses, cars, clothes, toys, and friends. But what we desire is more of Him. Stuff is temporary. God is eternal.

"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full', you find yourselves cared for" (Matthew 5:7).

One of the easiest attitude adjustments can come from simply looking for a way to serve. Take a moment to look at the situation and find someone to serve in it. Most times you will find that whatever you've been grumbling about doesn't seem all that important anymore.

"You're blessed when you get your inside world--your mind and heart--put right. Then you can see God in the outside world" (Matthew 5:8).

Sometimes the evening news can make it difficult to see God on the outside world. The result can be frightening and even depressing. But when we get our "inside world" straight--with Jesus as our head and his peace in our hearts--then we can see His hand everywhere! And this is the only way to really live.

"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family" (Matthew 5:9).

This is a great verse to share with siblings who are in constant battle. Blessings come to those who learn to cooperate rather than those who strive. Husbands and wives, in-laws and out-laws, are you cooperating or competing? God's people seek the best for others, and blessing is found in cooperation.

These are only a few of the blessings that come from a Christ-like attitude described in the beatitudes. A great family project might be to commit these blessings to memory (especially if a particular attitude keeps rising up). Bad attitudes don't bring blessing. Godly attitudes do. The sooner we exchange our attitudes for the attitude of Christ, the sooner we will be walking in a blessing we cannot even contain!