for they shall be completely satisfied. ~ Matthew 5:6 AMP

Wait! This can’t be right. Do you believe this? Is it true? Or is Jesus telling us a little white lie to try to motivate us to be good? Does true satisfaction really come from the pursuit of righteousness?

All our lives we are told that the best way to enjoy life is to live on the edge, to walk the fine line between good and bad. This is nothing new either. Generation after generation, it takes different forms, but we live surrounded by the message that a little compromise and a touch of naughty will bring happiness into our lives.

The American culture teaches us that when someone is stressed or grumpy, they just need a little sex and they will relax a bit. When someone has a hard day they need a drink to take the edge off. If you have to meet a budget, a little lying or cheating will go a long way to solving your problems. Satisfaction is just a compromise away.

It’s a lie!

I said, “it’s a lie!”

And this lie has worked for thousands of years. In fact, the serpent used this same lie to trick Eve in the garden. God is keeping His best away from you. He wants you to go through life missing out on all the fun, and always just a little frustrated.

This same serpent is the thief that Jesus tells us has come to “steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10) His lies have separated us from satisfaction. In fact this very lie leaves us unsatisfied and distracted from the source of true happiness and real joy. How could we be so foolish, believing this liar! Jesus promised us “abundant life,” not an average, boring, prudish and disappointing life.

Here is the thing. As I sit here writing this, God is bringing to my mind stuff that needs to be done with more integrity in my life. He is asking me if I believe Him, or if I am going to keep on living a compromised, unsatisfied life.

Now you decide, is Jesus telling us the truth? Is it true that complete satisfaction comes from pursuing righteousness? Or is this religious speak intended to manipulate the masses into obedience? Is there actually blessing, happiness and joy in living your life for God? If what Jesus says is true, aren’t we effectively robbing God of that which He purchased when we live in compromise?

Can you quiet yourself and listen for the voice of God as you read this. If you don’t have time right now, plan some time to mull, to consider. If you are like me, right now you are saying, oh, sister so-and-so could use this, or brother what’s-his-name could sure use some integrity. Yep, I thought about brother what’s-his-name, I admit it. But YOU need God’s voice in your life today, and so do I. Get quiet and ask Him this: Am I stealing myself back from You by my lack of integrity? (ouch)

Lord, have mercy–forgive–and empower us to walk in pursuit of righteousness today.

Thanks for stopping in.

Love you,

Ben