What are the best guiding principles that an individual must
adhere to? No matter what people might say, every principle is derived from
somewhere or someone. No one could claim that it was their own. Our parents
took their parenting principles from their parents and future parents will do
so unless they could discover new principles that others are advocating. Every
principle becomes a measuring stick to conduct life. Attitudes are molded by
it. Thus a person’s integrity is directly connected to their principles.
No
wonder that there are individuals who has high sense of destiny and attitude
while others do not. Majority of people have underlying principles that guides
them in all their decisions and directions. Therefore, a principled person is
generally stable and secure. Where does one get the right principles for living? There
are principles in the area of finances, relationships, employment, ideals and
so on and so forth. But what kind of principles will be the sure ticket to
happiness? Here lies the truth of the matter: every principle must be grounded
and anchored properly to avoid falling to pieces when it is tested by
circumstances contrary to the principle. The strength of one’s principle is
tested when the right time comes and usually, during the worst of times. When
pressures of life come down on you, our response must be in accordance with
what we consciously follow.
When Jesus spoke about the beatitudes to His hearers, it was
such radical principles that are contrary to the prevailing principles of the
day. I believe that everyone was in awe of them when Jesus advocated it to be
the guiding principles of those that hear them. All of us have heard it one way
or another. I know them as the “Be-attitudes.” It surely is controversial to
someone when asked to do so. Let me share it to you what Jesus said that day as
recorded in Matthew 5: 3-12, "Blessed
are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those
who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will
inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown
mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the
peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are
persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all
kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is
your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you. (NIV)
One of the key interesting points of these principles is the
aspect of being blessed when applied. Imagine, there is a reward for adopting
such attitudes. Simply stated, these are principles direct from heaven brought
by Jesus to humanity. Think about this for a moment, keeping and allowing them
to be the guiding principles of all our conduct will revolutionize every forms
of relationship we have. Whether they are within the sphere of our influence or
outside and it will surely benefit us greatly without measure. Actually, Jesus
provided humanity with what many are looking for in life.
Come to think of it, Jesus gave us principles that will last
for eternity. He himself fulfilled every aspect of it in His own lifetime.
Therefore, it could be done as well. The good news about is this: we are not
alone when we choose to apply them. Jesus promised that those who follow them
shall find blessing and the status of being blessed. But one must let Jesus
assist you in this endeavor. We cannot do it on our own for sure. Therefore, we
need Jesus to guide us through and through. A relationship with Him, the author
of these principle and attitudes is a must. Well, you could try it but you will
find that it is very hard to be one. I know, I tried them but did not work.
One
clear example is in the area of forgiveness. Releasing forgiveness is one of
the obstacles that many are trying to overcome. When you are not able to
forgive, then you cannot truly forgive. Jesus showed us how to do it when He was on the cross, he uttered forgiveness when He said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what
they do.” He was still on the cross yet he released forgiveness to those
that crucified Him. That’s why Jesus is qualified to come into our lives and to
help us extend forgiveness to those that have wronged us.
Remember that when you ran out of forgiveness to give, just
asks God for a measure of forgiveness to be release to those who have wronged
you. And God who is rich in forgiveness will give it to those who ask in faith
through His Son Jesus. C’mon, give it a shot. What have you got lose? O yeah,
an unforgiving heart. Why not?
Let’s talk again!
