Posted on Facebook by Samoa Lualima
paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “WHAT IS MY IDEAL?”
BIBLE READING: Matthew 5:1-12; Genesis, 29th through 46th Chapters
(pages 30 and 31)
Attaining and Living the Spiritual Ideal
The Spiritual Ideal: The Christ-Way
The spiritual ideal is not a mere belief but a living standard by which we measure our thoughts, words, and deeds. As the Conclusion text states, when we truly examine ourselves and recognize that God manifests through others, our ideal becomes one that lifts us up and makes us merciful, just as our Heavenly Father is merciful (Luke 6:36).
This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–12) — that the blessed life is found not in self-seeking but in humility, compassion, purity, and peace. Each Beatitude describes an inner quality of one who has surrendered the self to God’s Spirit and is living by a divine ideal rather than material ambition.
Poor in Spirit – The Beginning of Growth
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3
To be poor in spirit means to let go of self-assertion and pride — to recognize our dependence on God’s Spirit. This poverty is not weakness but openness. As the supporting text explains, “poor” here signifies a lack of self-centeredness and an abundance of God-centeredness.
In Genesis 29–30, Jacob’s journey begins with selfish striving — he schemes, bargains, and wrestles to secure blessings by his own effort. But as his story unfolds, especially through his struggles with Laban and his reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 33), he learns humility — the very spirit of being “poor in spirit.” Only when Jacob surrenders his will to God does he become “Israel,” one who prevails through God, not by his own strength.
Blessed Are They That Mourn
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” — Matthew 5:4
Those who mourn sincerely are those who feel deeply — for their own shortcomings, for others’ suffering, and for the brokenness of the world. This mourning brings comfort because it opens the heart to divine compassion.
Joseph’s story in Genesis 37–46 illustrates this: he experiences deep mourning — betrayed by his brothers, enslaved, and imprisoned — yet remains faithful. In time, his tears become the channel of God’s blessing. When Joseph reveals himself to his brothers (Genesis 45), both they and he are comforted through forgiveness. Mourning, when rooted in sincerity and faith, is transformed into peace.
Blessed Are the Meek
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” — Matthew 5:5
Meekness is not weakness but inner strength under divine control. The supporting material explains that meekness builds “a source of power in God.” This is what we see in Joseph’s life — though he had authority in Egypt, he ruled with humility and compassion.
Through meekness, he “inherited the earth,” not through conquest but through service. The meek inherit the earth because they live in harmony with divine law, using power to bless, not to dominate.
Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6
This is the law of spiritual growth: those who seek God sincerely will find Him. As Jesus later promises, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find” (Matthew 7:7).
Joseph, again, exemplifies this hunger. In the darkness of prison, he still interprets dreams and serves faithfully. His soul thirsts for righteousness, and God fills him — elevating him to fulfill divine purpose in saving many lives.
Pure in Heart and the Vision of God
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8
Purity of heart means to see the divine in all things. When the heart is cleansed of selfish desire, one begins to see God not only in heaven but also in the faces of others. The Conclusion text echoes this: “When we come to realize that our God is manifesting in and through that person, we know that the Ideal we are setting for ourselves will lift us up.”
Jacob, after years of deceit and striving, finally sees God “face to face” in Genesis 32:30 — not as an external deity but as the living Presence guiding his transformation. Purity of heart leads to the vision of God within and around us.
The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of Heaven is within — a state of consciousness where we commune with God (Luke 17:21).
The Kingdom of God is the outward activity of that inner realization — expressed in love, service, and cooperation.
When our inner life is in harmony with God (the Kingdom of Heaven), our outer actions manifest His love and justice (the Kingdom of God). Joseph’s story shows this union: his inward trust in God (heaven) produced outward acts of wisdom and mercy (God’s kingdom in action).
Living the Christ-Ideal
As the Conclusion of What is My Ideal reminds us:
“What is our Ideal? The Christ-Way. Let us not be anxious, but wait on the Lord, knowing that He is faithful who promised, ‘If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’”
The Christ-Way is living the Beatitudes — expressing divine love through humility, patience, forgiveness, and service. It is the path of transformation seen in Jacob’s reconciliation, Joseph’s mercy, and Jesus’ teaching.
To choose this way is to measure our lives by the spiritual Ideal — not by human standards of success but by the measure of love. When we see God in others and act from that awareness, we taste “the peace that passes understanding” (Philippians 4:7).
Summary
Poor in spirit – humility and surrender (Jacob becoming Israel).
Mourn – compassion and comfort (Joseph forgiving his brothers).
Meek – power through gentleness (Joseph’s rulership).
Hunger for righteousness – seeking God’s will continually.
Pure in heart – seeing God in everyone.
Kingdom of Heaven – inner awareness of God.
Kingdom of God – outward expression of divine love.
Thus, to live the Christ-Way is to let the Spirit shape our thoughts and actions until the Ideal becomes alive in us — “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Devotional Companion: Walking in the Christ-Ideal
1. Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Insight
To be poor in spirit means to empty ourselves of pride and self-assertion, so that the Spirit of God may dwell richly within us. Jacob’s journey teaches this — from striving for blessing through cunning to surrendering all at Peniel (Genesis 32:24–30). Only when he was humbled did he receive a new name and new vision.
Affirmation
I let go of self and open my heart to God’s Spirit. In humility, I find strength.
Prayer
Lord, teach me the beauty of humility. Let me release pride and self-will so that You may fill me with Your light. Help me remember that true richness is found in Your presence within. Amen.
Meditation
Breathe slowly and imagine laying down your burdens before God. With each exhale, release your self-concern; with each inhale, receive His Spirit of peace.
2. Blessed Are They That Mourn (Matthew 5:4)
“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Insight
Mourning in the Spirit is not despair but deep compassion — the ability to feel with others and to let sorrow become the soil of divine comfort. Joseph’s tears in Egypt (Genesis 45:1–15) show that mourning purified his heart and opened the way for reconciliation.
Affirmation
Through sincere tears, my heart is comforted and my soul is healed.
Prayer
Father, when grief visits me, let me not turn away. Let me find in sorrow the tender touch of Your comfort, and let that same comfort flow through me to others in need. Amen.
Meditation
Visualize God’s hand upon your shoulder, whispering peace into your sorrow. Let His compassion wash through you and soften your heart.
3. Blessed Are the Meek (Matthew 5:5)
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
Insight
Meekness is divine strength under perfect control. Joseph’s life in Egypt reflects this meekness — wielding great power with mercy and humility. The meek inherit the earth because they live in harmony with its Creator.
Affirmation
In gentleness there is divine power; in humility there is dominion.
Prayer
Lord, give me the strength to be gentle and the courage to be kind. Let my power be tempered with grace, that I may serve as Joseph served — with wisdom and compassion. Amen.
Meditation
Imagine a calm river, powerful yet peaceful, flowing steadily toward its purpose. Feel yourself becoming that river — strong, directed, and surrendered to God’s current.
4. Blessed Are They Who Hunger and Thirst After Righteousness (Matthew 5:6)
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Insight
This hunger is the soul’s longing for God’s will. In prison, Joseph hungered for truth and righteousness, and God filled him with divine understanding. The sincere seeker always finds fulfillment, for “those who seek shall find” (Matthew 7:7).
Affirmation
My soul hungers for the righteousness of God, and He fills me with His truth.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, awaken in me the holy hunger for Your righteousness. Let me never be satisfied with less than Your will, and may Your Spirit satisfy my soul with truth. Amen.
Meditation
Silently repeat: “Fill me, Lord, with Your righteousness.” Let the words sink deeper with every breath until you feel a quiet joy and assurance.
5. Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (Matthew 5:8)
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Insight
Purity of heart is seeing God everywhere — in others, in creation, and in every experience. Jacob, after his transformation, said, “I have seen God face to face” (Genesis 32:30). The pure in heart no longer separate sacred and ordinary; all becomes holy.
Affirmation
My heart is pure; I see God in every soul and every moment.
Prayer
Lord, cleanse my heart of resentment, fear, and doubt. Help me to see You in all that is — even in those who challenge me — that my life may reflect Your love without shadow. Amen.
Meditation
Envision a clear mirror at the center of your chest. With each breath, it becomes brighter until it reflects only light. Sit in that clarity — the heart that sees God.
6. The Kingdom Within and the Kingdom in Action
“The kingdom of heaven is within you.” — Luke 17:21
Insight
The Kingdom of Heaven is the inner state of divine awareness; the Kingdom of God is its outer expression — the fruits of the Spirit made visible in service, love, and compassion. When Jacob, now Israel, blesses Pharaoh (Genesis 47:7–10), we see the kingdom of heaven acting through him — peace flowing outward to bless the world.
Affirmation
The Kingdom of Heaven lives within me, and through love I reveal the Kingdom of God.
Prayer
Eternal Father, let Your kingdom come through my thoughts, my words, and my deeds. Make me a vessel of peace, a channel of Your divine will on earth. Amen.
Meditation
Sit in silence and imagine a radiant light in your heart expanding outward — touching your home, your community, and the world. Whisper inwardly: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in me and through me.”
Final Reflection: The Christ-Way
“What is our Ideal? The Christ-Way. Let us not be anxious, but wait on the Lord.”
To walk the Christ-Way is to live the Beatitudes daily — in humility, compassion, forgiveness, and peace. It is to see God in others and to let His love flow through us into every act. This is the peace that passes understanding, the Ideal made manifest.
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