Reading With the People of God #11 BlessedSample

Focus of the month: (The Beatitudes)

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

- Matthew 5:3-12

A Legacy of Half-Hearted Devotion

Abijam, the king of Judah, had a short and troubled reign. Though he was a descendant of David, his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord. Yet, for David’s sake, God allowed his lineage to continue. Abijam’s life stands as a warning—heritage, and position are not enough if the heart is not truly surrendered to God.

God desires more than outward affiliation with Him; He looks for hearts that are fully devoted. Abijam had the right lineage but the wrong devotion, showing that a spiritual legacy means little if it is not embraced personally.

The Heart Behind Our Righteousness

Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:1-18 echo this truth. He warns against practicing righteousness for human approval—whether in giving, prayer, or fasting. Just as Abijam’s position did not make him righteous, neither do religious actions if they are done for show. True righteousness is about the heart, not just the appearance.

God is not impressed by outward displays of devotion; He desires sincerity. When we give, pray, or fast, it should be done for Him alone, not for recognition.

Reflection & Application

A spiritual legacy or religious practice means little if the heart is not truly devoted to God. Are your acts of worship done to seek Him or to be seen by others? How can you pursue a deeper, more sincere relationship with God today?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to seek You with a whole heart, not for the approval of others but because You are worthy. Strip away any desire for recognition, and let my devotion be real, my worship sincere, and my faith deeply rooted in You. Amen.