Faithful Following

The Gospel Reading for Sunday, January 30, 2011 is Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes which begin Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” (Read Chapters 5-7 for “the rest of the story.). Perhaps you remember some of them? Several come to my mind immediately: “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”; “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”; “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Some interpreters have called them the “Be Attitudes”.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a pastor well-versed in the teachings of Jesus, developed a standard for those who would participate in acts of civil disobedience (sit-ins, marches, etc.). His “Pledge” standards are still a wonderful, contemporary extension of Jesus’ Beatitudes and the moral imperatives of the Sermon on the Mount (although in 1963 he referred to them as “Ten Commandments”). Consider these mandates as they apply to our personal lives and our life together as the church:

1. MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
2. REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement seeks justice and reconciliation – not victory.
3. WALK and TALK in the manner of love, for God is love.
4. PRAY daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
5. SACRIFICE personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
6. OBSERVE with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
7. SEEK to perform regular service for others and for the world.
8. REFRAIN from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
9. STRIVE to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10. FOLLOW the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration.

Jesus calls us to new life – life “marked” by an attitude of transcendent blessing. John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer caused us to say, “I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.” Dr. King translated these convictions into a summons to follow in the footsteps of Christ – even when (especially when!) you face the profoundly difficult challenges of life.

Dr. King’s “Pledge Card” invited participants to sign their names below this statement: “I sign this pledge, having seriously considered what I do and with the determination and will to persevere.” I hope that Jesus, John, and Martin will lead you to “sign” your name and to embrace the “Be Attitudes” of life in Christ.