Blessed at School
With school and sports starting up again, parents will want to help youngsters keep their priorities in line with family values. Consider the rewards for living in conformity with the Beatitudes.
By Caryl W. Krueger
Categories: Beatitudes, School With school and sports in full swing now, it is important to help youngsters keep their priorities in line with your family values. And sometimes this is hard. But, in his teachings to the disciples then and now, Jesus assures us of blessings when we act in conformity to God's law.
 You can help your kids realize these blessings by considering (at breakfast or dinner each day) one of these important aspects of a Christ-based life. Youngsters like rewards, and each of the Beatitudes spells out a reward for doing the right thing. Sometimes the wording makes the act and the blessing a bit difficult to understand, but making the point clear is your job as a caring parent.
I've given you a few hints. Just don't rush - one point at a time is your aim.
(The following texts and ideas are based on the King James version of the Bible and "The Message" by Eugene H. Peterson.)
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
When your spirits are low, when you feel at the end of your rope, shut out self-pity and listen to God for good ideas, instead. Putting your personal plans aside in favor of God's plan brings you a refreshing heaven-like result, right now.
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted."
Sometimes we feel sad because of a bad experience, a poor test grade, a failure in a sports event. At the time, such things may seem so important. But at that very moment, you are comforted by God's unconditional love for you. Find this comfort in your ability to try again, correct a mistake, rejoice in another's victory.
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Don't knock meekness - it can mean self-knowledge, understanding who you are and what you can do. And with that understanding, you can realize you already have an inheritance of everything you need as God's intelligent, talented, joyful heir.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
Your appetite should be for spirituality, for living a Christ-based life, rather than for a wish-list of material stuff. Your reward is a life over-flowing with all the good you can use.
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy."
Those who are merciful care about others - their needs, their hopes. And in reaching out, you will find your own good dreams fulfilled.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
Today, "pure in heart" means purity of mind and body - freedom from impure debasing thoughts and activities, sometimes attractive to young people. When you get your inside world right, you will see God's hand at work in your outside world.
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Today, "pure in heart" means purity of mind and body - freedom from impure debasing thoughts and activities, sometimes attractive to young people. When you get your inside world right, you will see God's hand at work in your outside world.
"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven....Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you....Rejoice...for great is your reward I heaven."
Commitment to God is sometimes not appreciated - even scoffed at, but don't let this deter you. Lies about you, bullying, and put-downs show that others are uncomfortable with their mean ways. But you are in good company - Jesus and those who preceded him and followed him were treated the same way. Be happy you have chosen the very best way and you will find that others will follow you! Your reward is not put off to some future heaven; enjoy heaven right here and now!
Don't postpone the blessings! Your discussion with your family is highly important in making these teachings come alive. |
