Living a life that Matters

I think this video is so powerful. Johnny Cash filmed it on his deathbed. Trent Reznor wrote the lyrics and they really capture something as believers we get caught up in – our stuff. I’m not just talking about material things, but our accomplishments, popularity, needs, wants, etc. We spend all our time and energy living for things that will eventually fade away. In Biblical times, Ephesus was this amazing city that was supposed to stand the test of time and now it lays in ruins. Johnny Cash also sees this in his own career and his fame. The lyrics say it all – you can have it all, this empire of dirt – because in the end, it all turns to shit and you will hurt. 

Jesus spoke about the Beatitudes very early in his ministry. We always hear about the ten commandments, yet we never hear much about the Beatitudes. Why is that? Probably because they are the blessings no one wants.

Blessed are.. the poor in spirit.. those who mourn.. the meek.. those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.. the merciful.. the pure in heart.. the peacemakers.. those who are persecuted..   Matthew 5:3-10

What kind of blessings are these?  Think about it – we always say we are blessed when we are happy, or make money, or healthy, etc. I will admit I find myself saying this all the time. Yet Jesus preaches the opposite. Blessed those who are persecuted? Who finds this a blessing?

Do not conform  any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12:2

Jesus is saying we are closer to the Kingdom of heaven when we are closer to our weakness. True humility comes from our weaknesses, not our accomplishments. Romans is saying to live a life radically different from the world. We can only see this radical change from the inside out, not the outside in. Behavior modification is only temporary because eventually what is inside our hearts will reach the surface – the things we truly want and desire. The more out of touch we are with our own personal poverty, the more judgemental we become. We want and we blame when we don’t get our way. So our choice is to own our sins and not deny them. We need to see the blessings of having a pure heart and a renewed mind that comes from our weaknesses.

“Spiritually prosperous are the destitute and helpless in the realm of the spirit, because theirs is the kingdom of heaven”