BELIEVERS BE ATTITUDES Series| BEATITUDES (9)| CHIMDI OHAHUNA.
Are you tired of living a superficial, cosmetic Christianity? Do you yearn for a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Christ? If so, then it's time to shake off the façade and embrace the true essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus Himself gave us the blueprint for living a joyful and authentic Christian life – the Beatitudes.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall 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. Matthew 5: 11-12.
In a world that often values superficial appearances, it is easy for us to fall into the trap of cosmetic Christianity - a faith that only looks good on the outside, but lacks true depth and substance.
The Beatitudes, as mentioned in Matthew chapter 5, are a set of teachings given by Jesus that serve as a blueprint for living a blessed life. The gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, as well as, the beatitudes, each happen to be nine (9) in number . They all exemplify the essence of a fruitful and vibrant faith.
These nine blessings, often referred to as the Beatitudes, serve as a guide for believers in navigating the challenges and trials of this world. They are not mere suggestions or optional extras; they are the very heart of what it means to be a genuine follower of Christ. Just as the number nine symbolizes fruitfulness, the Beatitudes are designed to produce a fruitful and abundant life in Christ.
If we neglect to embrace the beatitudes, gifts, and fruits of the Spirit, we risk living a life that merely imitates the ways of the world. As believers in Christ, we are called to stand apart and to live in a way that reflects His teachings and character. This means that we are also called to share in His sufferings.
Cosmetic Christianity, on the other hand, attempts to shield believers from the blessedness of suffering for Christ's sake. When we boldly stand for our faith, we will inevitably face opposition and ridicule. People may seek to shame us, annoy us, speak ill of us, and even cause us physical and mental hardships. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that we are called to rejoice.
Embracing the beatitudes means embracing the reality of our faith. It means recognizing that our journey as followers of Christ will not always be easy, but it will always be worth it. As we endure hardships and face opposition, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that the prophets who came before us also faced persecution for their faith. Just as they were blessed, so too shall we be blessed when we stand firm in our convictions.
Rather than seeking to avoid suffering, we should rejoice in the opportunity to share in Christ's sufferings. It is through these trials that our faith is refined and strengthened. It is through these moments of opposition that we have the opportunity to truly showcase the joy and peace that comes from knowing and following Christ.
Let us never settle for cosmetic Christianity - a faith that merely looks good on the surface but lacks genuine depth. Instead, let us strive to embrace the beatitudes, gifts, and fruits of the Spirit in every aspect of our lives. Let us rejoice in the face of adversity and find solace in knowing that our reward in heaven is great.
As we stand firm in our faith, may we continually seek to reflect the character of Christ in all that we do. May our joy and authenticity inspire those around us to also seek a genuine and transformative relationship with Him.
In conclusion, let us avoid the temptation of cosmetic Christianity and instead choose to embrace the blessedness of suffering with and for Christ. Stay strong, dear believers, may we find joy in our trials, and rejoice always in the joy of authentic faith.
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Jesus is Lord.
