It’s easier to live against something than live for something. The difference is life.
In a world rife with toxic social media currents, imagine turning instead to the warmth of inviting a lonely neighbor over for tea, as Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Against the voices that shackle you with shame and guilt, seek out the voices that proclaim freedom, wholeness, and love, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Resist the urge to shrink back and silence yourself to maintain peace; instead, embrace your voice, your body, and your experiences with boldness, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Turn away from gossip and petty nitpicking, and choose the language of blessing, remembering that out of the same mouth proceed both blessing and cursing, and this should not be so (James 3:10).
Begin by turning away from what is toxic and harmful, and continue until you find what you are indeed for. This act of defiant faith embodies the very essence of repentance and transformation. It provides a foundation to lean into, much like the narrow path that leads to life (Matthew 7:14). It offers a path to follow, a divine journey reflecting the Beatitudes and the teachings of Christ.
My Thesis
In a society often defined by what it stands against, faith invites us to discover and embrace what we are for. By rejecting the negativity and division prevalent in our world and instead pursuing love, freedom, and boldness, we align ourselves with the transformative teachings of Christ. This journey from against to for is not only an act of defiant faith but a profound expression of repentance and renewal. It is a path that leads to a life of purpose, reflecting the Beatitudes and the essence of Jesus' message.
We need a faith that guides us to find something to live for. We need a roadmap for a life deeply rooted in radical love and truth.
The Faith Journey
Faith embarks on a sacred reconstruction, grounded in compassion, truth, and inclusion—a transformation the apostle Paul eloquently described as the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:2). Jesus, through the rhythm of the Beatitudes, imparted this same transformative power, guiding us to live in a way that reflects God's kingdom on earth. There are devoted followers of Jesus, deeply rooted in the Gospel and captivated by Scripture. For whatever reason, and it is not for me to judge, they need our love and support. They strive to reimagine their faith while feeling estranged from the broader community of believers. They may be your next-door neighbor, the person sharing a cubicle at work, or the other end of a negotiation. My book, Beatitude Code, aims to bring them back into the fold - to show them there are many ways to come and realize the freedom and love of the cross.
I believe the Church stands at the threshold of a significant era of repentance, reexamination, and reinvention. The mega-church movement is just the beginning. The return to silence, meditation, and the great spiritual disciplines always follow revival. The church must transcend the confines of its echo chambers to serve the lost sheep Jesus sought and sacrificed His life for (Luke 15:4-7). We need a revival, a "What Would Jesus Do" revolution that reorients our hearts and minds towards genuine discipleship. Here’s a pathway to begin this transformation:
Practicing wonder and curiosity as spiritual disciplines: Embrace the mysteries of faith and approach God with a heart full of awe.
Mothering ourselves with compassion and empathy: Nurture our souls with the same kindness and understanding that we extend to others.
Making space for lament and righteous rage: Honor our grief and anger as legitimate responses to injustice, echoing the Psalms’ cries for divine intervention.
Finding good spiritual teachers: Seek guidance from those who embody wisdom and humility, leading us closer to God's truth - ones who listen more than they talk.
Discovering what we are for in this life and moving in that direction: Identify our God-given purpose and passionately pursue it.
Reimagining Faith through the Beatitudes: A Journey of Transformation
By reimagining faith through the lens of the Beatitudes, we can profoundly transform our lives and communities, embodying the radical love and grace of Jesus. This is the heart and soul of my book, Beatitude Code. It aims to open a thought process, a faith journey, for open-minded souls to glimpse a world they might have overlooked, showing how subtle shifts in our attitudes can fulfill the gospel in our daily lives.
When Jesus sent out His disciples, He said, "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt" (Luke 9:3). He commanded them to heal the sick, cast out demons, and minister to the poor, relying solely on the silence and strength of their faith. This kind of faith—one that moves mountains (Matthew 17:20), believes without seeing (John 20:29), and trusts in God's provision (Matthew 6:31-33)—is the faith I aspire to live for. Though I may be a stranger to its full power and resourcefulness, my heart yearns to embrace it.
In the Beatitudes, Jesus calls us to a higher standard of living. He blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those persecuted for righteousness' sake (Matthew 5:3-10). Each Beatitude is an invitation to a deeper, more authentic faith journey, challenging us to shift our perspectives and align our lives with the kingdom values Jesus taught.
Reimagining Faith through the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: Recognize our need for God, cultivating humility and dependence on His grace (Matthew 5:3).
Blessed are those who mourn: Embrace our sorrows and losses, finding comfort in God's presence and the hope of His promises (Matthew 5:4).
Blessed are the meek: Live with gentleness and humility, trusting in God's strength rather than our own (Matthew 5:5).
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: Pursue justice and righteousness with a deep, passionate longing, knowing we will be filled (Matthew 5:6).
Blessed are the merciful: Extend compassion and forgiveness, reflecting the mercy we have received from God (Matthew 5:7).
Blessed are the pure in heart: Strive for purity in our intentions and actions, seeking to see and know God more clearly (Matthew 5:8).
Blessed are the peacemakers: Work towards reconciliation and peace, becoming true children of God (Matthew 5:9).
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness's sake: Stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition, rejoicing in the reward of heaven (Matthew 5:10).
By embracing these Beatitudes, we reimagine our faith as an active, transformative force. It’s not just about believing in certain doctrines but living out Jesus's radical love, grace, and truth in every aspect of our lives.
My book, Beatitude Code, is a call to this kind of faith that is lived out in the small, everyday moments and the big, life-changing decisions. It is a journey of subtle yet profound shifts in our attitudes, leading us to fulfill the gospel in our actions and interactions. This is the faith I want to live for, and I invite you to join me on this transformation journey.
Comments