The Kingdom - Attitudes

Let's begin, shall we?  As I've stated before, the Kingdom of Heaven is made up of people.  So, I began to wonder, what kind? I mean, it's obvious true believers (Christian) but isn't it more than that?  Jesus said we must be like little children.  Well, that's one attribute of the type of people the Kingdom is made up of but what else?
Never forget to look at God's instruction book for living (Holy Bible).  All the answers are there!  So, I did look at some of the attributes of the Kingdom people. Here it is, per God's word, not mine!
MATTHEW 5:3-11 
(3)Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
(5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(6) Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
(7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  
(8) Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 
(9) Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
(10) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(11) Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Now admittedly, these 8 are a tall order, so let's look at them 1 at a time.  First of all, 8 in the Bible is the number of NEW BEGINNINGS.  So, isn't that something right there?  A new way of living your life!
Poor in Spirit.  These are the ones who are not self-righteous and they recognize what their short comings are and where they need God's grace, mercy, and help. They rely on God for all things.  
They that Mourn.  These are the people who recognize and hate the sin in their lives and want it gone.  They aren't the ones going "Hey, that's just the way I am so you better just get used to it." They are the ones who watch their walk, their talk, their attitude, their life style.
The Meek.  This attribute is so misunderstood and believed to mean doormat or wimp. That's wrong!  Meek is in reality great strength held in restraint.   Like a world class boxer who could knock you into the next county but refuses to do so.  Now that is meek.  Jesus wants this attribute in us so that we bite our tongue when we could spew out hurtful words that may be true but will they do any good?  I've told my children and the children I've taught, "Before you say anything, ask yourself 2 questions.  Is it true? Will telling it do any good?"  For example, I may see Johnny coming out of a bar drunker than a skunk but will it be any good to say that?  Sure it's true.  Test 1 is passed.  But what about Test 2, will it do any good? Johnny already knows he's doing wrong and besides his poor family is well aware as well that he's the talk of the town.  So why should I add to their sorrow?
Hunger & Thirst after Righteousness.  This is so like Jesus.  He was going about to the people who were hungry and thirsty for His teaching.  Like it says in Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  God wants people who want a right lifestyle, a right attitude, a right life to shine forth His goodness through.
Merciful.  Mercy is a rare trait and in high demand this day & age.  You know what mercy is?  It is when someone does not give you what you deserve.  How often do you see a person extend that to another person?  Go ahead, by accident cut someone off in traffic...you won't get mercy but I am sure you will get some sign of something from them if not a few choice words!  Mercy is assuming the other person meant you no ill will and even if they did mean to do you wrong, you extend mercy because God has extended mercy to you when you didn't deserve it.
Pure in heart.  Another trait in short supply on earth.  A heart without any hidden agenda, without a secret motive, without some bit of manipulation inside.  When do we do something good just because it is good and right seeking nothing in return?   Not often enough I'm sure.  This one is easy to fail and I know myself, that sometimes I catch myself "counting" how many times I've done something for someone and nothing to show for it.  Now, again, I'm not saying let yourself be used or a door mat.  What I am saying is to give of yourself, your time, your talents, whatever it is you have to give and give it as unto the Lord.  He keeps great records and not even a cup of water will be forgotten by Him if you give it with the right motive & attitude.
Peacemakers.  That should be self-explanatory. Ever meet someone who just love to stir up the stink?  I have. The Bible warns us to stay away from these types. But let's think about this...I have kids so I wonder how often I've played peacemaker? It's going as a mediator between people who are in a situation and neither can see the other's side.  Or, maybe it's offering a calming word to someone who is ready to blow and that word restores their peace.
Persecuted for Righteousness Sake.  Oh, I've been there a time or two and not by choice!  Who likes getting grief? However, when the heat gets hot, you know you are right because God's word says so, then stand firm and know that just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the firey furnace, so will you. There's an old saying "Might makes right".  Now I'm not talking about stubbornness here.  I'm talking about morally right according to God's word. His word is right always regardless of politics, society, or trends.  It's the standard by which things are to be judged.  And no, there are no exceptions.  Right is right, period.  Our society is in the mess it is because people have made excuses for bad behavior, bad morals, and bad choices.  Society tells you there is no "absolute truth".  Well, God doesn't say that and I believe He knows more than I do so I'll trust His word on things.
Men revile You.  Have you hesitated to state you are a Christian or that it goes against your belief?  Why?  They made fun of Jesus and if you want to really follow Him, get some back bone and set your jaw like flint.  My husband, who is not a Christian, asked me once, "Aren't you afraid of what people will say or think about you when you do that?"  I told him "Well, when they suffer and die for my sins, then I'll start caring about their opinion."  I will, as will you and all people, stand before God one day and I do not want Him to be disappointed.  I would rather hear Him say "Enter in, my good and faithful servant."  People will end but God will never cease to be.  He's stood by me in good times and bad.  He's loved me through all times.  So, He is my Savior, my Friend, my Lord, and my King.  Folks don't want to deal with that, well, one day they can answer for it.  As for me, I want to sit at His feet and Him be pleased with me.
OK, not pointing fingers, my peeps, just sharing my study.  Maybe I should take this and make it a list to remind me of the goals of being the human who has the attributes God is seeking.  I need to be transformed daily to the image of Jesus not conformed to the world.
Love & hugs, my peeps!