Embracing the Unconventional: The Beatitudes and "Weird" Living
July 23, 2024 3:03 PM
As we have been examining “Great Words,” let's take a look at an unexpected candidate: the word “weird.” The Beatitudes (Matthew 5) present Jesus' teachings in a way that challenges traditional wisdom and common norms.
Consider how Jesus addresses the unexpected:
• The poor in spirit - those aware of their spiritual need • The mourners - those who grieve over the world's brokenness • The meek and gentle - not typically associated with success • The merciful and peacemakers - often overlooked in competitive environments
These qualities rarely top the list for achievement on this Earth. Yet, Jesus declares them blessed. This "weirdness" is central to our discipleship, calling us to a very different value system based on love, compassion, and service.
In this upside-down kingdom: • Apparent weakness becomes strength • Grief leads to comfort • Peacemakers are the true victors
Embracing these teachings might make us stand out as unusual. However, this distinction is the point-- it's a chance for us to demonstrate a different path to fulfillment, success, and blessedness.
Our challenge, then, is to fully embody these “unusual” values. By living differently and loving extravagantly, we can illuminate the beauty of a life devoted to Christ's teachings, however "weird" it may appear to others.
We will dive deeper into “weird” this Sunday. Looking forward to seeing you!
Consider how Jesus addresses the unexpected:
• The poor in spirit - those aware of their spiritual need • The mourners - those who grieve over the world's brokenness • The meek and gentle - not typically associated with success • The merciful and peacemakers - often overlooked in competitive environments
These qualities rarely top the list for achievement on this Earth. Yet, Jesus declares them blessed. This "weirdness" is central to our discipleship, calling us to a very different value system based on love, compassion, and service.
In this upside-down kingdom: • Apparent weakness becomes strength • Grief leads to comfort • Peacemakers are the true victors
Embracing these teachings might make us stand out as unusual. However, this distinction is the point-- it's a chance for us to demonstrate a different path to fulfillment, success, and blessedness.
Our challenge, then, is to fully embody these “unusual” values. By living differently and loving extravagantly, we can illuminate the beauty of a life devoted to Christ's teachings, however "weird" it may appear to others.
We will dive deeper into “weird” this Sunday. Looking forward to seeing you!