Live and Let Liveਨਮੂਨਾ

3. Living in the Light (Part 1)

Attitude for Altitude

Your attitude determines your altitude. And since we are sons of God, we ought to bear an attitude that brings light to the world around us.

In Matthew 5, Jesus starts His longest recorded sermon with what is known as the beatitudes. Or as I like to call them, the ‘be attitudes’, if we are going to live in the light as Jesus would. These are nine blessings spoken by Jesus to those who dare to bare His attitude in the world He puts us in. It flows into the next segment where He is calling us to be light and salt to the dark and bleak places around us.

To live in the light of Christ, we are called to a higher altitude. Like eagles among pigeons, we are called to a higher standard of living. And this starts with our attitude, rather than our abilities. It starts with having the attitude of Christ.

• Being poor in spirit is to realize your need of God, your Father. Christ Himself said that He does nothing without the Father working through Him. If we partner with God every day, the Kingdom of Heaven manifests in our daily living.
• To mourn means that you show compassion to others. Jesus was the most compassionate man ever. If we show compassion, we will also be comforted by God, enabling us to also comfort those who are struggling around us.
• If we live in true humility, more doors of opportunity will start to open in the world around us. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves, it only requires us to think more of others.
• If we pursue justice and righteousness, our characters will become that of godly men, reflecting the heart and image of Christ. This brings us the satisfaction of a fulfilled life.
• If we show mercy to those who wrong us, we in turn, find mercy and receive grace to live another way.
• When our hearts and motives are pure, our vision of God also becomes clear.
• Peace and unity go together. When we work through internal and interpersonal conflict, we establish the peace and unity reflected by children of God. We are God’s princes, and Christ the firstborn is also known as the Prince of Peace.
• When we stand for what is right, we are walking in the light. And then, despite the adversity we experience, we are also taking up territory for God’s Kingdom.
• Yes, being a follower of Christ, and walking in the light means the world will show resistance in sly, slanderous, tempting and even violent ways. But the Light you shine is something no darkness can undermine!

So, be a light of boldness and a witness to your King’s glory. Shine the reflection of Christ to the dark world around you. Stay salty and bring the flavor from above to a world in need of His love. Let your character stay salted, preserved and purified through Christ, to bring restoration and refreshment to your community.

And remember, your attitude determines your altitude!

Let’s Live and Let Live:

• Which of the beatitudes that Jesus spoke of do you struggle with the most?
• Why do you think that is a struggle for you?
• How can your daily attitude determine your spiritual altitude?
• Where is God specifically calling you to shine His light?
• How can you stay salty in a world that wants to flush out your flavor?