But, in affirming that there are absolute values, we must keep in mind that God has revealed, not just rules, but himself. Eternal life (which is what the Christian life is all about) is knowing God through redemption (John 17.3).
There are many rules that I must know and keep when I drive the car. I am required to drive on the left. That's the rule in our country - in many other countries it's different! It is not just that an over-officious policeman might get at me for driving on the wrong side. The rule is there, not to spoil my enjoyment of driving, but for my own sake and the sake of other drivers. Take the "give way" rule as another example. There used to be some variations on this rule from state to state. This was potentially serious, since it is important that everyone abide by the same rules. Why? Isn't that just being restrictive? Not at all! The rules enable everyone to have the enjoyment and/or necessity of driving.
Similarly the rules of living aren't arbitrary, as if to say, "Don't do this! You'll get it in the day of judgment if you fail to obey!" Rules are part of the key to living. Failure to keep rules will have an effect on our happiness in this life, not just when we come to the end!
Many people are looking for happiness in itself, without realising that happiness is the byproduct of other things and especially of our relationship to God.
Jesus began the Sermon on the Mount with what we call the Beatitudes. They stand in contrast with many prevailing ideas about happiness!
Most people think:
But Jesus said:
In 6.24-34 Jesus notes the futility (and worry) resulting from the search for happiness in food, drink and clothes - a very basic level of quest! "But seek first [God's] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (v. 33). Augustine of Hippo wrote in his Confessions, "Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you."
So much of our happiness depends on what "happens" to us. But Jesus was calm no matter how unlikely or even hostile the circumstances. Of no fixed abode (Luke 9.58), he was calm in the storm-tossed boat (Mark 4.35-41) and before Pilate (Matthew 27.14). Even on the cross, he was concerned with others and not himself (John 19.25-27; Luke 23.39-43).
True happiness comes, not as we seek happiness, but as we seek the Kingdom. So the eight characteristics that we call the Beatitudes relate to the Kingdom and to those who are part of the Kingdom.
The poor in spirit are those who know their need of God's forgiveness and grace. Jesus illustrated the principle in the story about the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18.9-14). The Pharisee only seemed to need God to pat him on the shoulder. The tax collector came in full recognition of his sinfulness - with guilt and uncertainty and no claim to a place with God. He went home "justified before God." The Kingdom of heaven belongs to the ones who have come empty-handed to God and live in the knowledge that God has forgiven and accepted them.
Those who mourn are emotionally sensitive and feel pain over their own sins and the sins of society. The Lord said through his prophet Joel, "Even now return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments…" (2.12-13). Jesus mourned over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19.41,42). His mourning for human sin took him to the cross. Because of his mourning, there is comfort for those who mourn.
The meek, not the domineering and assertive, "will inherit the earth." We don't put a great deal of store on meekness. We can't see the strength of meekness. Think of the humility of Jesus (Philippians 2.8). He called people, "Come to me… and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11.28), but also said, "Woe to you, teachers of the Law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!" (23.13-39).
Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are the same people mentioned in the previous three beatitudes. Their spiritual poverty, mourning and meekness aren't negative. Their desire is positive and active. But their motivation isn't selfish ambition but "righteousness". I'm not suggesting that a Christian is a person without ambition. But what is the central motivation of our lives?
The merciful will be shown mercy. After his teaching on prayer, Jesus added, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6.14-15). Jesus' story about the unforgiving servant forcefully makes the same point (18.21-35). Our own need for the mercy of God has implications for all of our attitudes to other people. This isn't to lessen the responsibility of parents, school teachers, magistrates and others to exercise authority and discipline.
The pure in heart are those whose words and actions spring from inner wholeness (holiness). The Psalmist saw that we are to enter God's presence with "clean hands and a pure heart" (24.4). Many people, past and present, have wanted "clean hands" without a "pure heart". The pure in heart will see God (note 1 John 1.5-2.2; 3.2,3).
The peacemakers will be called sons of God. God desires a restoration of relationships - reconciliation (see 2 Corinthians 5.19-20). The Biblical view of peace (shalom in Hebrew) is always a positive quality of wholeness, well-being and prosperity. Peacemaking can be costly - think of what Jesus went through to establish our peace!
Those who are persecuted because of righteousness have gained what is more important than anything else - the Kingdom of heaven. The result may well be persecution. We aren't to go around looking for it. Remember the words of the model prayer, "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (6.13). Righteousness - living by consistent Christian values - is most important for us, but may bring us into conflict with the prevailing values of our time.
These eight statements of Jesus are Kingdom qualities. If we are
Christians, God himself - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - resides
within us (John 14.23-26). Some of these qualities relate especially
to our inner life, our life with God - our inner personhood, if
you like. That is the part of us that God alone sees and knows.
Other qualities relate to our actions, our association with others
- our outer personhood. This is what other people see us to be.
We shouldn't to be too rigid about this division, but it's helpful to see these qualities in relation to one another.
Those who know they are spiritually poor but forgiven and accepted by God have an intense desire to do his will. Those who mourn over their own sins don't only receive God's comfort themselves but become the merciful ones. Those who are humble become the peace-makers. The pure in heart, because of their commitment to doing God's will, do what God requires, even if it means persecution.
In the time of Jesus there were people for whom religion was a big show. Almsgiving, prayer and fasting were three important religious duties and they did them all in a way that drew attention to themselves. Jesus called them "hypocrites" - the Greek word means "play actors" (Matthew 6.2,5,16). Their inner personhood and their outer personhood just didn't correspond.
It isn't possible here to deal with all of our lifestyle - many aspects will vary from person to person! But the life of God by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and Spirit of God within us will transform us from within and flow out into every aspect of our lives. This will lead us to depending less on possessions, to a simpler kind of life, to a greater desire to give, to a greater care for people, and to a whole collection of practical qualities. All because we are allowing the life of God within to permeate the rest of our life.
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