Another set of "rules" by Gary Rose

If the name "Leroy Jethro Gibbs" means anything to you, then you have probably watched NCIS at least a few times. If so, then some of the rules on this cup will be familiar to you. While I agree with most of them, there are a few that somehow do not apply (like always carry a knife or never involve a lawyer).

Generally, though they make sense and are a good list of "do's" and "don'ts". As I look at them, I realize that they do not cover EVERY SITUATION, so they are not complete.

Now, take a few minutes and read Jesus' "list"....

Matthew, Chapter 5 (World English Bible)

  ¹ Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.  ² He opened his mouth and taught them, saying, 

  ³  “Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

  ⁴  Blessed are those who mourn, 

for they shall be comforted. 

  ⁵  Blessed are the gentle, 

for they shall inherit the earth. 

  ⁶  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, 

for they shall be filled. 

  ⁷  Blessed are the merciful, 

for they shall obtain mercy. 

  ⁸  Blessed are the pure in heart, 

for they shall see God. 

  ⁹  Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they shall be called children of God. 

  ¹⁰  Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. 

  ¹¹  “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.   ¹²  Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

 

 ¹³  “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.   ¹⁴  You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.   ¹⁵  Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.   ¹⁶  Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

Notice something about them: they refer to being something (blessed means happy or more accurately- Oh, the state of the person who is..) as opposed to just rules.

Jesus wants us to be the kind of person with a right sort of heart, not just live by a set of do's or don'ts. Go ahead and get Gibb's mug, have some coffee and think about what Jesus said; you just might decide to become a better person....