What Defines You?

Challenges come and go as we journey through our lives. Sometimes it’s a small challenge that does little to shape the person we are, but other times challenges come and revolutionize our entire approach towards life. Matthew chapter five emphasizes some key concepts that can dramatically shake up how we approach our daily life. There are seven concepts that can mature us as we study this chapter. The first concept is to grow where it counts. Some people put on a show but never truly change. Grow on the inside and make a lasting change rather than a temporary decision. During tough times we need to understand that we will be stretched and challenged, but it is during these times that we grow the most. We also need to understand that life will be tough, but God will help you. He will meet your needs and never leave you if you are truly seeking after him. The third concept is to not take yourself too seriously. If we do that we lose sight of the reality that we are all pawns in a greater plan, which is the Kingdom of Heaven. We all play a part towards reaching the world for Christ. But stay thirsty for the Lord. Matthew 5:6 says, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Seek, Seek, and Seek; it will change your outlook. The last four concepts deal with the character of a person. We need to be honest with ourselves, and having integrity matters. Verse 8 states, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Work at being honest, and while we are working at that, work at being kind. Those two go hand in hand. They feed off of each other, and each can enhance the other. Understand that fighting has no future. Seek peace, forgive each other, and don’t hold grudges. It doesn’t get anyone anywhere by holding on to something that has happened to them. Learn from the situation, forgive, and move on! Lastly, do what is right no matter what. The tough question to ask yourself is, “Who are you when no one is looking?” Who are you when the stage lights are off, when church is over and Monday rolls around? Are you living on Monday what you are practicing on Sunday?