Wise words from the Sermon on the Mount
A year ago I accepted a challenge to read the Sermon on the Mount every day for a month. I found it to be a very rewarding exercise. I do not believe that better, more concise or more inclusive rules for life can be found anywhere. One thing that all Christian religions can agree on is our need for the Savior, His teachings and His atonement. We find in Matthew 5:3-12:
“3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
As we read further in chapter 5 we find Jesus’ instructions to not be angry with our brother, to reconcile and agree, to guard our eyes and our tongue. We are told that if we are smitten on our right cheek to turn the other, go the extra mile and to love our enemies and bless them that curse us.
In chapter 6 we are commanded to not do our alms, prayers or fasting to be seen of men rather in secret and to lay up treasures in heaven. We are also given the promise in verse 33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things (food, drink, clothing, etc.) shall be added unto you.” In chapter 6 we are also instructed by our Lord on how to pray and to forgive men their trespasses.
In chapter 7 we are told to judge not and to cast out first the beam of our own eye that we may see clearly the mote in a brother’s eye. We are promised that if we ask it shall be given to us. In verse 12 we are instructed, “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them...”
The Savior closes His remarks by saying that those who doeth His teachings are like a wise man who builds his house on a rock. It is my hope that all of us who reside in this Big Horn Basin can internalize these teachings of the Lord and bless each other as we do so.
Scott Brown is a member of the Apostolic United Brethren Church in Lovell.