In his thought provoking book, “Your God is too Small”, J.B. Phillips shows in paraphrase the contrast between the way of the world and the way of Jesus by comparing the beatitudes with selfish thinking.
The selfish say, “Happy are the pushers: for they get on in the world.”
Jesus said, “Happy are those who realize their spiritual poverty: They have already entered the kingdom of reality.”
The selfish say, “Happy are the hard boiled: for they never let life hurt them.”
Jesus said, “Happy are they who bear their share of the world’s pain: in the long run they will know more happiness than those who avoid it.”
The selfish say, “Happy are they who complain: for they get their own way in the end.” Jesus said, “Happy are those who accept life and their own limitations: they will find more in life than anybody.”
The selfish say, “Happy are the slave-drivers: for they get results.”
Jesus said, “Happy are those who are ready to make allowances and to forgive: they will know the love of God.”
The selfish say, “Happy are the knowledgeable men of the world: for they know their way around.” Jesus said, “Happy are those who are real in their thoughts and feelings: in the end they will see the ultimate reality.”
The selfish say, “Happy are the trouble-makers: for people have to take notice of them.” Jesus said, “Happy are those who help others to live together: they will be known to be doing God’s work.” Ponder these things!
In His Love,
Charles
