A Change in Me

When life seems overly-complicated, perhaps with worries and unanswered questions invading our thoughts and even holding us hostage, the section of scripture commonly called "The Sermon Mount" is a place to find unparalleled peace and comfort. Chapters 5-7 in the book of Matthew record the very essence of The Way Jesus proclaimed. These verses contain words of simplicity and power, capable of changing the world by changing each of us. They should force us to stop saying, "What is wrong with the world?" Instead, I think the better question is, "What is wrong with me, and how can I do better?"

Judging others is one of the most destructive forces on earth. In the lives of individuals, it ruins reputations, causes deep emotional damage and wrecks relationships, just to mention a few of its negative effects. Judging others is part of what is causing political gridlock in our nation, and it is, at a basic level, what causes most of the conflict and war in the world. And that is why we are instructed not judge others. What good is there really which can come of it?

Thinking about our own actions and attitudes, judging our own thoughts, and deciding to live a worry-free, faith-filled life is what we are called to do, and doing so is worth the effort it takes. It is not hard to point out what is wrong with everyone else; the more difficult path is to start the process of change by looking within.

When scripture says, "Blessed are the gentle . . . the merciful . . . the pure in heart," it is easier to say, "Why is there so much violence, anger and distrust in the world?" than it is to consider perhaps there is not enough kindness, mercy and purity in me. When we read, "Blessed are the peacemakers" do we wonder why nations can't stop rising up against other nations, or do we consider any unforgiveneness and contentiousness which might reside in our own hearts?

The Sermon on the Mount offers a way to change the world because it lays out a plan for changing me; no one can change others, all of us can only change ourselves. Actually, that lifts a big burden off of our shoulders, knowing we're not responsible for the disagreeable behavior of everyone else. All we have to do is take responsibility for our own actions. Old habits may be hard to break, but only I can decide how I'm going to react every day, in every situation. When negative, outside influences stop holding sway over us, there's nothing we can't overcome.