Read Matthew 5:3-6

For the past few days, we have observed the promises Jesus made in "The Beatitudes." We are only halfway through the list, but it's a good place to stop and summarize what we have seen in this inspired portrait thus far.

Jesus is describing how to be different, how to be His unique servant in a hostile, wicked world. He honours particular character traits and offers special rewards for each.

1. Those who are genuinely humble before God, who turn to Him in absolute dependence, will be assured of a place in His kingdom
2. Those who show compassion on behalf of the needy, the hurting, will receive (in return) much comfort in their own lives
3. Those who are gentle—strong within yet controlled without, who bring a soothing graciousness into irritating situations, will win out
4. Those who have a passionate appetite for righteousness, both heavenly and earthly, will receive from the Lord an unusual measure of personal contentment and satisfaction

Before going further, let's ask ourselves these questions (try to answer each one directly and honestly):

• Am I really different?
• Do I take all this seriously...so much so that I am willing to change?
• Is it coming through to me that serving others is one of the most Christlike attitudes I can have?
• What significant difference will the ideas expressed in the Beatitudes have on my life?

The bottom-line question is not, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" but rather, "What are you becoming, now that you're grown?"

Excerpted from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living, Copyright 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.