There are about 49 Topics raised by the Master in his sermon on the mount (Matt. chapters 5-7) and each of them can be used to examine self. In Matthew five, beginning with the beatitudes, one can count 26 specific instructions given by Jesus to his disciples. In chapter six, there are nine more; Matthew seven provides the final 14.
Since we all have a tendency to examine others ahead of ourselves -not a recommended practice in light of the mote and beam lesson — using the sermon on the mount for self-examination is a step in the right direction.
Ready for a self-search?
It’s the first century. Jesus has gone up into a mountain. He seats himself and his disciples come to him. I’m one of those disciples. I hear his first words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” If! view myself as “poor in spirit,” I’m elated at the prospect of the coming kingdom and its hope.
Jesus then promises that those who mourn will be comforted. Do I believe him?
Point by point, I question myself about my understanding of his message. Do I believe that the merciful shall obtain mercy and that being a peacemaker is of great value?
Jesus continues to lead us into the rough terrain of reality. The ugly prospect of persecution looms: “Men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” At these words, I feel myself on a precipice of dread and doubt that is ready to collapse under my feet. I lift my eyes to Jesus. He rescues my heart from despair with his words, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”
Am I salt and light?
With Jesus’ mention of “the salt of the earth,” how do I evaluate myself? Am I a “light of the world,” allowing my light to so shine before men that they see my good works and glorify my Father which is in heaven? Or do I have two faces and two modes of behavior quite distinct from one another? Do I treat important people with fawning deference but reserve disrespect and rudeness for those I consider “inferior?”
It’s getting to me
I’m on my knees. Jesus is warning, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus accused them as “hypocrites.” That could easily be me!
Is my so-called righteousness like filthy rags? Has my deceitful mind overestimated my pitiful faith and performance?
Am I “angry without a cause?” Am I unwilling to reconcile? My answer is “yes.” So I seek help, and pray earnestly.
All about me
The Sermon of the Mount is all about “me.” Its purpose is to focus each disciple upon his individual faith and subsequent actions. It points to specifics like adultery, lusting, offense, forswearing, going the second mile, sharing with those in need, to mention a few.
What do I discover from this encounter with Jesus’ instructions? I find some challenges which, by God’s grace, are relatively easy for me to meet. But, woefully, I recognize personal failure on such points as, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.”
What a self-revelation! Did I imagine I had vanquished these evils? They haunt me. They make my mind and heart impure. They shame me before God Almighty, no matter how well they are concealed from those around me.
What shall I do?
Then I remember the “ask” prayers. “Ask and it shall be given unto you.” Ask for increased faith; ask for strength; ask for forgiveness; ask for the right spirit.
That’s what I’ll do!
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One