The Behavior of His Kingdom People - Mat 5:3-12

The behavior of a true Kingdom person is very different from the world. Know what the differences are. These differences are like light that shine and the salt that make this world a better place. You have a part in it.

We are not known by what we say but how we behave.

Most people think that branding is about marketing and advertisement. But real branding comes from people experience with the use of the product or the services. Our brand, or identity is determined by how we behave. Hence, Jesus said in John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The verse covers how we should treat each other within the body of Christ. In Matthew 5:3-12, widely known as the Beatitudes, Jesus cover how believers, His Kingdom People, should behave towards others and in a community.

Here is a mind-map that summarizes that key blessings for the people with the 9 types of behavior.

Firstly, there are blessings promised. 

Different types of behavior will have different types of rewards. Essentially, the promise is given that for those that seek, hunger and suffer for, you shall get exactly what you set out to accomplish. Victories are ensured, from now on earth to the heaven in eternality. 

A similar promise is given in Mark 10:29-31 Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel's sake, 30 but he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many that are first(here) shall be last(there); and the last(here) first(there). *

*note: here and there are added by me to clarify the meaning.

His Kingdom Ways - Different from the World

With the promises given, we shall now focus the behavior of His Kingdom people. How will the behavior differs from the worldly standards?

Here is a map that show how:

1. Desire for Spiritual Things

Kingdom people begins with desire not of earthly and physical things but of spiritual things. They reflect on life and know that life is more than just mere material existence. see Col 3:1. They value spiritual things rather than material wealth. They use material wealth to gain spiritual wealth (Mat 6:20).  

2. Compassion & Passion for the Sufferings and Injustice

They are not self-centered but are concern about the suffering, injustice and evils in the world. They may even be victims of such injustice. But they don't stay as victims. They have passion to change the sufferings and injustice. The compassion stir them to rise up to do something and keep them moving with endurance(see 6 Endurance later).

3. Methods of Gentleness, Mercy and Peace

When they arise with a good cause, the methods they employed are not by force nor by violence. They are meek (gentle), merciful and peaceful. They are the more than conqueror with ways that draw and change the heart of the enemy. See The Meaning of "More than Conquerors" A real world example will be that of Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement.

4. Motive of Purity

They do not have any hidden ulterior selfish motives. We know of quite of number of people who exploit and abuse others in the name of God or of Love. Their motive is pure and they are only interested in the pursuit of righteousness and for Jesus.

5. Objectives of Righteousness and Jesus Christ.

What shall be the standards of good and bad? Jesus Christ and his righteousness shall be. People with power and fame often think that they are above the righteous standards and behave as they like. They think they are free and acting on their power. The truth is that they are the slaves of their lusts and pride. Kingdom people should never deviate from the Righteousness of God and of Christ who died for us that we may have the new birth in His righteousness. With Christ within, we then act out accordingly. 

6. Endurance in the Midst of Persecutions.

Because the motive is pure, the standards are clear, the blessings are sure, the character of meek, mercy and peace, and the passion are strong, we are able to endure without anger and complains. We do not seek revenge. But we endure with a positive attitude of love and hope that in the end, the enemy is changed to become friend. 

Lastly, Go and Shine the Light

The nine blessings are followed immediately by a call to go out and show forth the difference as salt and light of the earth. We are not to hide it nor to compromise with the world that we loose our saltiness. 

We then will understand this verse better ....
Phil 2:12 ... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Be careful in our walk to not to bring shame on Christ but at the same time also be confidence that His grace is within us to empower us to live out His life through us. Apply Heb 4:16 to cover our short-fall, get up, and continue in this walk in and to glory.

Lim Liat (c) 24 Feb 2012