Why the Pursuit of Happiness Will Not Lead to Your Best Life Now, Pt 6

This is the sixth (and final) post of a 6-part series of posts based upon the sermon I preached at Morningside Baptist Church on September 20, 2009 from Matthew 5:3-6. For audio of that message, please click here.

To read part 1, click here.
To read part 2, click here.
To read part 3, click here.
To read part 4, click here.
To read part 5, click here.

Much of what I have discussed in these first 4 beatitudes has the immediate application for our salvation. The progression should accurately describe the experience of salvation. Yet, we need to remember that Jesus is primarily addressing his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount. Therefore, the progression shown here should characterize the lives of Christ’s disciples throughout our entire lives. This progression is not simply a one time event at salvation, but a continuous cycle of sanctification from the moment we’re saved until the moment when we enter the presence of God.

I was reminded of that fact as I studied & prepared for this message. I don’t know about you, but there are many times in my life when I forget about my spiritual bankruptcy, apart from the grace of God. There are many times when I exalt myself, draw attention to myself, and think that I have some spiritual merit. As a result, I don’t mourn over my sin very often. I tend to rationalize it, make excuses for it, or even deny it, so I am often the opposite of meek. I am weak, but I am not meek. Since I don’t frequently admit the ongoing sins in my life, there are many times when I don’t hunger and thirst for righteousness. I am content to snack on righteousness, but that’s about it.

Yet God has shown me that if I am to truly be his disciple, I will continually remind myself of my spiritual poverty. I will mourn my sins against my Savior and mourn the sins of others. I will submit to God’s authority and not seek to explain away or defend myself. And by God’s grace, may my life be consumed with the hunger and thirst for Christ’s righteousness. May I see evidence of His grace in my daily life!

But, maybe I’m not alone. Maybe there are others reading this series of posts who have had the same experiences. Maybe you have forgotten about your spiritual poverty. Maybe it’s been a long time since you mourned over your sins and the sins of others. Maybe you are quick to defend yourself and your actions. Maybe you have forgotten the taste of Christ’s righteousness. Maybe today you will take the necessary steps to change that. Maybe today you will spend some time before the Father, and thank Him again for His amazing grace!