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TAKING STOCK OF WHAT MAKES YOU – YOU

Today, let’s do something a little different. Let’s do some personal inventory.

I know, I know. Nobody enjoys this.

But we have to start from where we are. God loves us just as we are. And God also loves us too much to leave us that way. Jesus came to save and transform us. 

So this is our opportunity to get real with ourselves about where we’re at, knowing that Jesus already knows this about us.

Today I want to help us identify where we are seeing the Beatitudes in our lives and also where we have opportunities to grow.

Now answer these questions honestly –– it’s just between you and the Lord!

All of these questions relate to the Beatitudes of Matthew 5:3-12:

• Do you spend time praying for others in addition to your personal needs and concerns?
• Do you find yourself resentful of giving up free time to volunteer?
• How often do you lash out when you don’t like something?
• Do you work as a family toward making sure God is a regular part of your daily lives?
• Do you find yourself experiencing joy in the midst of sorrow? 
• What is your deepest desire?
• When you see injustice in society, do you actively engage in reconciliation?
• When someone speaks harshly to you, is your immediate reaction to be harsh back to them, or to answer with gentleness?
• What areas in your life do you struggle with dark thoughts or habits?
• How do you handle feeling unjustly accused or treated?

If you’re like me, when you start to ask yourself questions about your life, seeing it through the lens of the Beatitudes, we realize all too quickly how much we need Jesus and how much work is still yet to be done within our own hearts. But do not fear, my friend. Jesus is not done with any of us yet! Sure, he has forgiven us already. But Jesus is also inviting us today to take the next steps with him into a life truly beautiful and abundant. 

Today, let’s praise Jesus for the areas that we see the Beatitudes on display in our lives. Let’s also pray for the areas that are weak in comparison, that Jesus might have his way in our hearts and lives.