An Inkling
What is the good life?
We have a vision for it, examined or not, and we’re in pursuit of that
vision, conscious or not. And a
cacophony of voices would describe the good life for us – some helpful, some
confusing, and some downright devious. Thus
we can be particularly grateful that the One who made us has described the good
life himself.
By good life he means how life works in his Kingdom. This life is broadly described through the
full sweep of scripture, but he offers a particularly pointed description in
the “beatitudes” – the traditional name for the “blessed are” statements Jesus
offered in his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:3-12.
Many of us are quite familiar with these beatitudes, but I
invite you to ponder them anew – regularly.
Given the very different visions of the good life that come at us from
every side, we do well to have our eyes repeatedly directed to the Lord’s
description.
It’s not a “to do” list, nor is it a growth chart. It’s Jesus’ own description of the good life
he led, and would have us lead – not an easy life, but a good life, a God
blessed life – one worth pursuing. And
though we pursue this good life, in the truest sense it comes to us as a gift
from the One who pioneered it.
And here’s what he said:
Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for
they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in
heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are
persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when others
revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on
my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so
they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Most often I sign off these Inklings with “Blessings,” which
I’ve offered rather vaguely as a God-aware “best wishes.” But with the beatitudes in mind, may I offer “Blessings”
as a specific wish for you to know the good life Jesus came to bring.
Blessings,
Keith
