The Jesus Way to Cultural Influence

The Sermon on the Mount of Jesus (Matt. 5:1-12) is perhaps the greatest exposition ever written regarding godly character and attitude. Often the 10 attributes mentioned here are overlooked because, in our performance-based culture, inward holiness is not as important as outward fruit. However, being transformed into the image and character of Christ is a prerequisite before we can walk in the ministry and power of Christ.

In regard to those like me who preach on the manifestation of the kingdom of God that can transform society, it is important for us to realize that Jesus focused on these 10 attributes before He called His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). Consequently, this behooves us to merge the kingdom message of societal transformation with the teachings of the pietists (some even call them mystics) who focused on individual transformation; we cannot have one without the other. (Each camp needs to bring balance to the other.) Truly, God cannot entrust us with power and influence before we have Christ-like character worked out on the inside of us.

The following are the 10 attributes needed in order to qualify for spiritual and societal leadership in God’s kingdom:

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The word “poor” here is the Greek word ptochos, which means one who is humble in regard to his own capacities, or one who is not spiritually arrogant. Someone who is poor in spirit is a person who is totally dependent upon Jesus for their life, wisdom, sustenance and power. The poor in spirit know that they are empty without God, that they have no righteousness on their own, and no outward show to keep propping up their identity. This is the opposite of a spiritually arrogant person who lives a life of presumption and pride and does not depend upon or consult with the Lord in regard to the direction of their life.

If we are going to be entrusted by God with real kingdom influence, we cannot be haughty, arrogant or have a proud attitude regarding material and/or ministry success; we need to live a life of daily dependence upon the Lord.

2. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Those who mourn in our context could mean a person who is very sensitive to the needs, hurts and wants of others—someone who empathizes with others. Empathy gives us the capacity to feel what others feel, to see what others see, so we can adequately bring them the Word of God. Mourning has to do with grieving over the sin of others and the poor state of spirituality in the church and society. Those who mourn are broken vessels who give themselves up to much prayer and intercession until God’s Spirit is poured out and brings restoration to a person or situation.

3. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

When people are meek they are gentle, kind, considerate and humble. Those who attempt to exert top-down leadership that imposes their will and desires do not represent true kingdom leadership. Forceful, abusive, manipulative leadership is not going to be blessed by God in the long run, since many people will not endure sitting under such behavior for long.

4. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

God has called His people to always hunger for knowledge and wisdom that comes through continual study, conversations, sitting under teaching, asking questions, and contemplation. We are called to be life-long students. I have seen many leaders who rarely read a book, and who have no hunger for knowledge. These same leaders have capped their leadership potential and influence. Hungering is not just for knowledge but also for the application of knowledge, which is wisdom. Wise leaders focus on bringing God’s righteousness and justice to their environments and spheres of influence. Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit are the evidence of the reign of God in our midst. (Rom. 14:17)

5. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Those who are merciful are those who have compassion upon others and even bestow favor, love and kindness on those who do not deserve it. Once we realize how much of a sinner we are, we have a greater appreciation for the mercy God had upon us when He saved us by His grace. Those who understand God’s mercy toward them are not quick to judge the motives, intentions and actions of others.

Leaders who are not merciful toward everyone cannot represent Christ’s kingdom to this world, because Jesus told us to be like His Father who causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good (Matt. 5:45). The less we appreciate God’s mercy toward us in Christ, the more self-righteous and less merciful we will be toward others.