Who are the closest to the Kingdom of God? Who is able to receive the blessings of God? Jesus’ answer: the poor, the hungry, the grieved, the persecuted and the rejected. Who is in the most dangerous position? Who are the most likely to alienate themselves from God? Who are most likely to cut themselves off from God’s blessings? Jesus’ answer: the rich, the comfortable, those who are well fed, those who laugh, whose lives are filled with pleasures and those who are esteemed by men. We are the wealthy, comfortable, well fed Christians whose lives are filled with pleasures and who do not face any danger of persecution. Yes, that’s me and you. There is nothing wrong with wealth, or comfort or pleasure. These are blessings. It is also a blessing that we do not suffer persecution. And if people like us, that is a good thing too. However, according to Jesus we are in a very dangerous position. From a spiritual point of view it is not a position to be envied. Faith is often weakened by worldly abundance and security. Hearts become complacent in comfort. Desires are distracted by many pleasures. The spirit of man is easily misled by the favour of the world. We of all people must be very vigilant to keep our faith alive, our desires oriented and our hearts aflame for God. The devil has more powerful means of delusion for us than for most other Christians who lack what we have of material comforts, and of peace and security. So be very careful.
Ask God to awaken your heart.
Read Luke 6:12-26
