Be Attitudes

I’ve been studying the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. The beginning is pretty well-known. But, I’ve recently seen these sayings reframed as prescriptive instructions for the followers of Jesus. So, I’ve been trying to think of them as the be attitudes instead of the beatitudes.

Even if it means I more frequently misspell the word beatitude. Also–side note, because I am a language nerd and thought it was neat–do you know where we get the word beatitude from? The Late Vulgate Bible. Each of the verses begins with beati.

Be Attitudes

The Sermon on the Mount is the longest message that Jesus delivers in the gospels. In it, he delivers a great deal of insight into our role in the Kingdom of Heaven. But he starts it all with the “be attitudes”.

I have to admit that I used to think of the beatitudes as a sort of consolation prize. To me, It felt like Jesus was acknowledging that “Today, life sucks. But, one day soon I will #bless you!”

The Beatitudes

I do not have the authority to claim that particular view of the beatitudes is wrong. If you’re going through a difficult season and find comfort, hope, and peace in the words of Jesus, I’m not going to rain on your parade.

Still, I have discovered that these sayings are powerful when explored through this new lens. Consider that these are instructions from Jesus to those who would follow him. Here is the prescription on how you are to live.

Asking the Beatitudes

I have reversed the order of the beatitudes and made them questions as an exercise. I am asking myself the beatitudes. Sometimes playing with the structure of the text helps me to grasp its meaning.

That said, we must always defer understanding to the original text and structure. If the insight remains, great. If it doesn’t appear to align with what scripture says, then any insight gained is almost certainly invalid.

There are eight beatitudes… plus one. I’ve seen commentators divide them a few ways, but the one I like best is the two stanza approach. In this method, we split them in half–four and four.

Structurally, this reveals an inclusio. This is a literary device in which the content is bracketed by the same sentence or phrase. Here, it draws attention to those who will have the kingdom of heaven.

The First Four Be Attitudes

In the first four beatitudes, we see need. Jesus reveals the human condition from God’s perspective. We are poor in spirit. We mourn and are meek before Him. And, we hunger and thirst for His righteousness. This is the mindset for salvation.

Do you want to have the kingdom of heaven?

Be poor in spirit. Recognize that you live in spiritual poverty apart from the grace of God. Acknowledge that your righteousness is insufficient.

Do you want to be comforted?

Mourn. Look at the price Jesus paid for your moral crimes. Grieve with God over your sinful thoughts, words, and actions.

Do you want to inherit the earth?

Be meek. This is not timidity or weakness, nor is it a lack of resolve. A meek person is able to endure injustice because they are confident that God is in control. Meekness precludes revenge or resentment.

Do you want to be satisfied?

Hunger and thirst for righteousness. Pursue God through his word and in prayer. Seek His will and get to work. Also, practice what you preach.

The Last Four Be Attitudes

In the last four beatitudes, we see actions associated with righteous living. Jesus shows us how we are to be if we serve Him. Merciful. Pure in heart. Peacemaker. Persecuted for righteousness’ sake. This is the mindset for sanctification.

Do you want to receive mercy?

Be merciful. Only someone who has been wronged and can seek recourse has the ability to choose mercy. What happened was wrong. But, God offers us the dignity of being like him. So, extend unwarranted mercy.

Do you want to see God?

Be pure in heart. Nothing is more deceitful than the heart–It is without cure. But, God offers is faithful and just to purify us. All we must do is ask.

Do you want to be called a son of God?

Be a peacemaker. Live at peace with others, as much as you are able. But beyond that, bring the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ to others who need to experience reconciliation with God.

Do you want to have the kingdom of heaven?

Be persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Do the right thing. Even when it’s hard. Take a stand for what you know to be right, even when it costs you.

The “Plus-One Beatitude”

I don’t think most scholars consider verses 11 and 12 one of the beatitudes. Structurally, they are not nearly as pithy as his other statements. But, I find the “plus-one beatitude” Jesus gave right after the inclusio quite interesting.

We saw the approach of man to God for salvation. We observed his evidence of sanctification before God. But, now, we see something new. Jesus injects himself explicitly and undeniably into the picture.

Do you want a great reward in heaven?

Be reviled and persecuted for Jesus’ sake. Be authentic with others about your belief in Him. Share the way that your relationship with your messiah has changed your life. Stand behind the cross.

No other rabbi would have made so bold a claim. Is it any wonder that after hearing him speak, the crowds were astonished by the authority with which he taught?

Prayer for Today

My prayer for today is two-fold. First, that God would further develop these characteristics which he desires in me. Second, that He would continue to open my eyes to the richness of scripture–even the passages which are so familiar.

I am resolved to continue studying the Sermon on the Mount, seeking deeper understanding.

Be Attitudes Scriptures

Matthew 5:3-12 has the full list of the beatitudes. Here are some other “be attitudes” scriptures that I find helpful.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:7-10 (ESV)

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21 (ESV)