Tag: jesus

The Beatitudes teach us about friendship

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

I love the Beatitudes.

They illustrate beautiful qualities of character — the kind of person you want to be around.

They exemplify the perfect friend.

      • Humility — there is no quality more amazing to me than humility. It is beautiful, graceful & gracious.
      • Comforting — we’ve all had times when we’ve been down and turned to a friend for comfort. It’s a wonderful feeling. And to be able to give comfort when someone else is down gives a sense of satisfaction.
      • Selfless & generous — someone who can share and isn’t greedy.
      • Appreciates good activities (and good clean fun!)
      • Satisfaction in right-doing — does the right thing, even if it’s not popular (even if you don’t want to).
      • Forgiving — doesn’t focus on the past or hold a grudge.
      • Genuine — honest, authentic (not fake).
      • Peace-loving (instead of drama-loving) — looks for the best in you and others (doesn’t get in to gossip).
      • Loyal, faithful & devoted — to his/her beliefs as well as to your friendship.
      • Confident & courageous — stands up for what is right; sticks up for beliefs as well as friends.

See what I mean? It’s a perfect model for friendship (or business partner or neighbor). Christ Jesus exemplified this and showed us we can, too — that it is right and normal. He wouldn’t have said it if we couldn’t be it!

Enjoy giving & expressing these qualities today. You’ll be thanked for it!

The transforming power of Christ

Published on by lindseybiggs6 Comments

I’m reading this book about Jesus’ disciples (it’s written as a personal story from the perspective of each disciple).  I am moved by the transforming spirit of the Christ to completely change the lives of these 12 men, plus many others that were around them.

They were willing to drop everything (even change their names in a couple of instances) and adapt this whole new way of life. It reminded me of my personal story of being transformed by Christ. After spending several years looking for happiness & satisfaction through material means (partying, drugs & unproductive relationships), I finally glimpsed the Christ through a trying experience. I was struggling & searching for healing, so I decided to read the four Gospels. I found a translation that made sense to me, and I became so engrossed with it, I couldn’t put it down.

Jesus lived a fearless life and I so wanted to live that way, too. The message of Christian Science taught me that all the “works” that he did and what he taught can be applied and lived today. God’s transforming, healing power can save us in any situation.

Well, I dove in to this message, took up the study and practice of following Christ (through Christian Science), and I haven’t looked back!

Isn’t it interesting that this healing power, which has existed for thousands of years (well, for eternity actually) is still as powerful, beautiful and transforming today? There is nothing in the world that can give you that kind of guarantee! I am still in awe of the permanent transforming power of Christ.

Do you have a transforming experience you’d like to share?

Watching or watching out?

Published on by lindseybiggsLeave a comment

Jesus said: “…I say unto all, watch.” (Mark 13:37)

I’ve often pondered the distinction between “watching” and “watching out”.

I realize that watching out keeps our focus on error – on the bad stuff – and brings with it a sense of insecurity and paranoia.

On the other hand, watching or keeping watch is a spiritual activity which means mentally staying alert and keeping our focus on God, good. Watching can also mean watching your thoughts and determine if thoughts are from God or not.

Thoughts from God always include a sense of spiritual dominion, freedom, peace & joy.

These are the good thoughts – the only thoughts we need to listen to. Imagine living in a society where everyone only listened to good thoughts? It’s an interesting thing to think about.