I've Got A New Beatitude

Our small group continues to examine the power our language has to create or destroy. Last time, we looked at the Ten Commandments. When I posted my translation under the title of "New Ten Commandments," I realized afterwards that this wasn't meant to be new or different. The post was supposed to reflect how I like to live into the Ten Commandments. So, the same goes for this post. This is not a re-write of part of the Beatitudes, but is my attempt to put into my own words what this passage means to me. Jesus' words are often hard to understand, and even harder to put into practice. How do we make sense of statements telling us that we can be happy when we grieve or seem hopeless? 

The Scripture text is Matthew 5.3-11. I'm posting the Common English Bible (CEB) translation, then my own life translation. 

CEB...

Happy are people who are hopeless, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Happy are people who grieve, because they will be made glad.

Happy are people who are humble, because they will inherit the earth.

Happy are people who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, because they will be fed until they are full.

Happy are people who show mercy, because they will receive mercy.

Happy are people who have pure hearts, because they will see God.

Happy are people who make peace, because they will be called God’s children.

Happy are people whose lives are harassed because they are righteous, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Happy are you when people insult you and harass you and speak all kinds of bad and false things about you, all because of me.

Here's mine...

When all seems lost, pay attention, because God is close.

If you are grieving, you can be thankful, for it means that you have had love in your life.

If your way is a quiet, gentle wisdom, the whole world will listen to you.

If you passionately and consistently do the right things, you will be fed because you feed others. 

When you offer forgiveness, you will turn an adversary into a ally.

When you live with integrity, people see God's character.

When you seek a higher and better way, chaos subsides.

When someone gives you a hard time for doing what's right, God feels the pain, too.

Sometimes, life will be hard, and people won't understand why you do the things you do. we humans tend to kill the brightest and the best among us. But God believes in us. And God knows that love is the best way. And Jesus showed it to us. 

We are looking at the "salt and light" verses (Matthew 5.13-16) this week.  Until then... 

The "New" Ten Commandments

Our small group is meeting tonight, and we are discussing how important our words are. We have the power to create life and tear life down with our words. We thought we'd look at the Ten Commandments and "rewrite" them - based on positive language. Many of you are familiar with the "Thou Shalt Not" language; we thought it would be interesting to express what we believe. I think many Christians are good at telling people what they're against: don't drink, don't smoke, don't date folks who do. And I believe we need to do a better job of letting people know what we stand for, what we believe. So, this is my stab at the "New" Ten Commandments - written in positive language. I hope you enjoy. 

God made sure these words got out to the people – through YouTube, Twitter, blogs, Facebook, and other conventional and nontraditional means:

Hi, I’m God. I made everything you enjoy: air, water, mountains, good food, laughter, friendship.  I bring you out of the house of forgetfulness when you lose your focus.

Do your best to get to know me, believe me, and trust me.  Make me the biggest part of your life. 

There are a lot of things out there that will try to pull your attention away from me.  But I believe in you; I know you can resist all the bright, shiny things that promise something better than my love.  Stay on guard.  I do; I’m faithful and will continue to look out for you and reach out to you.  Pay attention. 

Use my name as much as you like; but make sure you use it to bring about life.  You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you respect my name, and the names of your neighbors.

Take time for yourself, and for your family and friends.  In fact, I created a day just for you – the Sabbath.  This is a day for you to enjoy yourself, to rest, eat, pray, sleep, worship, watch Netflix, take a walk, or play with your dog.  You get the idea.  I made this day for you.  Enjoy the gift, and help others enjoy this gift, too. 

Family is important to me – no matter how it’s constructed: mom and dad, mom and mom, dad and dad, mom by herself, dad by himself.  Family is important to me.  Whoever you consider your parents to be, remember they’re not perfect.  Love them.  Forgive them.  Help them when they get old.  Do your best to stay connected. 

Encourage each other, cheer for each other, believe in each other.  Give life in all you say and do. 

The love between two people is powerful.  Honor that.  Respect that.  Be humble in its presence.  Learn from it – and each other.  Get through the tough times together.  Laugh together.  Cry together.  Be truthful with each other.  Make loving choices. 

You need less than you think you do to live.  You are blessed in countless ways.  But, try to count them.  You’ll be amazed at how much you truly have. 

Be truthful and respectful in all situations.  Your words have the power to create life.  Remember…mine do. 

Work together in building relationships and community.  Offer yourself, your household, and your gifts to your neighbor.  In turn, they will open themselves, their households, and their gifts to you.  When you do this, you will bring the Kingdom of God to your neighborhood.