[1] Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
[2] And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
[3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
[5] “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
[7] “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
[8] “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
[9] “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
[10] “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Memorizing these things – I got to thinking – if I can’t be all these things, which one would I strive for more??? Pure in heart – so that I will see God? Meekness – so I’ll inherit the earth? Then I thought – the reward shouldn’t be the goal – but the condition of my heart, right? Why is it my human nature is always to think about WHY I act a certain way or what I’ll get out of it? Maybe God wants me to strive for these things because that’s the way HE is – and I’ll be better off in this life and the next if I’m striving for these things. The consequences of my heart/actions just happen to be the good things that follow.