The Beatitudes Today
by: Gwen Hopkins

Saturday Ramblins, Vol. 2, No. 13 (July 3, 1999)

As a youngster in school, I took part in assemblies. When I was asked to read from the Bible it was the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 3-12), which I loved so much. I have been thinking of them again and what place they have in today's world with the millennium on our doorstep. Do they hold true today? I believe they do.

Think of this century and what has happened. Has there ever been peace in the world for long, if at all? We had two world wars, Korea, Viet Nam. Unrest and violence in Northern Ireland, Israel and the recent hostilities in Kosovo are further interruptions of the peace.

What about the inhumane things that ordinary people have had to suffer through these times? Many have been slaughtered and for what? Surely not for peace. For power? That's debatable. Certainly not in God's name, although some have justified violent conquest in His name over the centuries.

Blessed are the peacemakers. I am sure every one of us wants peace everywhere. Can you imagine a world at peace forever? Wouldn't it be wonderful?

Blessed are those who are persecuted. Many people have been abused, beaten and murdered for their beliefs. It's not uncommon these days for young people to be sneered at for their Christian beliefs (remember the girl who was asked if she believed in God before being shot to death at Columbine High School?).

Maybe if we all thought a little more about the true mean of the Beatitudes and followed their teachings we could build a better world. I will never be a member of our Parliament here in the United Kingdom, but I do know that many are Christians and do use their Christianity in their daily work.

So what of the coming millennium? I'd like to believe that God will be a big part of it and help us to make it a better world through His love and by living the Beatitudes. Each of us can play a part in the making of a better world.

After all he gave up his son to death for each of us. Are we willing to follow his teachings for a better, safer world for our children? I am.

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