lifestyle

Matthew 5, 1 Thessalonians 4

The point of our lifestyle is not to do good, but to please God and know Him!

 ^{1 Th 4:1} Finally, dear brothers and sisters, we urge you in the name of the Lord Jesus to live in a way that pleases God, as we have taught you. ...

What does that look like?

    ^{M 5:3} "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
    ⁴ God blesses those who mourn,
      for they will be comforted.
    ⁵ God blesses those who are humble,
      for they will inherit the whole earth.
    ⁶ God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
      for they will be satisfied.
    ⁷ God blesses those who are merciful,
      for they will be shown mercy.
    ⁸ God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
      for they will see God.
    ⁹ God blesses those who work for peace,
      for they will be called the children of God.
   ¹⁰ God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
      for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Behavior characterized as: poor in spirit, mourning, humble, hungering and thirsting for justice, merciful, pure in heart, working for peace, persecuted for Christ.

Result/effect characterized by:  inheriting the Kingdom, comfort, inheriting the earth, satisfaction, receiving mercy, SEEING GOD, adoption, inheriting the Kingdom!

Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me and continuing to draw me to yourself.  Lord, I want to know you and obey you.  I want to hear you and serve you.  May your name be made great among the nations.  Lord, I pray that my lifestyle will please you, and where it does not - please change me.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.