If someone claims to follow Christ, claims to be a ‘Christian’, if someone says “Yes, I follow Jesus”.Then shouldn’t we expect them to be different? Shouldn’t they become more Christ like? Aren’t we supposed to live better lives as followers of Christ? Aren’t we supposed to live better lives? Aren’t we supposed to be different?
Paul writes: Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. (Romans 12:1-2)
What does our culture celebrate? What does our culture reward? Achievement? Popularity? Arrogance? Pushiness? Greed?
As we look at Jesus’ sermon on the mount, it’s clear that He’s talking about a different kind of culture. If we’re not careful, though, it’s all too easy to start yet another checklist for ‘Christian’ living. When we read the beatitudes, many of us miss the point.
This isn’t a checklist. It’s confirmation that God’s Kingdom is here now, and it’s here for you. If life fills you with despair right now, God is with you. You are blessed.
Listen to the full talk from our new series “Counter Culture”, below:
Coventry Vineyard Blog 