…“Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28)
By Jim Ganther
“I know a guy.”
I was talking to my brother about why my second son wasn’t married yet. That son’s girlfriend had just caught the bridal bouquet at my daughter’s wedding reception—it was more like a hand-off! I told him my son wouldn’t propose until he had saved enough money to buy a diamond as big as his love for his girlfriend, and those are expensive.
When you need something, it’s great to have someone who “knows a guy.” My brother knows a diamond broker who owes him a favor. In no time, my son had ordered a gorgeous diamond, including setting and matching wedding bands, for 80% off the suggested retail price. Problem solved.
Knowing a guy who can secure a great deal on diamonds is a blessing. But wouldn’t it be great to know a guy who could bring comfort? Or satisfaction? Or mercy? Or even the Kingdom of Heaven?
We cannot give what we have not got. Not to worry—the Beatitudes lay out a path for how we can be “that guy.” By being the guy who mourns for the pervasiveness of sin, we can be the guy who gives comfort to work colleagues who are hurting. By being the guy who hungers and thirsts for righteousness, we can be the guy who treats coworkers with genuine care, regardless of their position. We can be the guy who shows mercy and yes, even reveals the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth.It’s great to “know a guy,” but it’s even better to be that guy—Christ—in the marketplace and everywhere else. By living the Beatitudes, we can.
Pray
Father, pour forth your grace into our hearts that we may live the fullness of your Beatitudes and pour out their fruits in turn.
Reflect
How can you manifest the fruits of the Beatitudes in the workplace? In your family? In the world at large?
Discuss
Jesus said, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10). Have you ever seen someone persecuted at work for doing what was right? Have you?
Jim Ganther is an attorney, entrepreneur, and captain of a competitive BBQ team. He and his wife, Melissa, have seven children (one of whom just got engaged), three grandchildren, and a brand-new son-in-law. Contact Jim at jganther@MosaicCS.com and ask for his smoked salmon with Thai chili sauce recipe. Game-changer.