It is always good to pause and reflect on the condition of our hearts. Life moves quickly, and if we don’t watch it, even good things can crowd out the most important things.
Most of us are familiar with the Beatitudes Jesus taught in Matthew 5, scripture that reveals the heart of God and the kind of character He desires for us: humility, mercy, purity of heart, hunger for righteousness, peacemaking, and faithfulness in the midst of opposition. These teachings help us stay on the right track.
Some years ago, I came across what were called the Devil’s Beatitudes. While not Scripture, they serve as a sobering reminder that helps us recognize attitudes and actions that can weaken our spiritual life and relationships if we let them.
They describe things such as:
- being too busy for prayer and spiritual things,
- being easily offended and slow to forgive,
- waiting to be asked before serving rather than offering ourselves willingly,
- becoming critical instead of encouraging,
- allowing unresolved offense to turn into bitterness, even toward our brother or sister in Christ, and being tight with our time, energy, and resources rather than living generously.
None of these things happen overnight. They creep in slowly and drain our joy, weaken our unity, and dull our spiritual sensitivity.
But thank God, His mercy is new every morning, and every day is another opportunity for us to repent and get back on track.
The good news is that God has already provided everything we need to walk in love, obedience, and faithfulness. His Word does not change, and His grace is sufficient.
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, keep His Word first place in our lives, and walk in obedience to His will, we will experience victory in every area of our lives. Not because life will be free of challenges, but because we will be anchored in the truth of God’s Word and guided by His Spirit.
So, let’s walk in love, serve one another, and fulfill the plans God has for us. When we do, we know that He who began a good work in us is faithful to complete it.
