A Date With Dignity

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Matthew 5:4

My Wednesdays have been different since COVID-19 hit our area.  In the olden days, I would be rushing and running from work to home, and then off to church.  Now, I’m sashaying to my couch to get the best seat.  I wait for the notification that St. Luke has gone live on Facebook and then I join the broadcast on Facebook Watch on my TV.  I pull my Bible app up on my phone and get ready to take notes.  Ummm…it’s called Bible STUDY, so I feel weird if I don’t take notes.  My regular Wednesday night date with REfresh Bible study doesn’t disappoint.

Last week, we began to study Matthew 5.  We dipped our toes into the water of the Beatitudes.  Our thoughts on attitude were challenged.  This week continued the study and called into question our ability to go deeper.  Pastor discussed that the Beatitudes is not just a collection of nice attributes that we should possess.  In actuality, each principle is a stepping-stone for the next.  After we become poor in spirit, we move to mourning.

I know, I know.  When I think of “blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” it’s always in the context of losing a loved one.  But thinking of this as the next stepping-stone was eye opening.  Being poor in spirit means that we realize that we are nothing without God.  We are totally dependent on Him.  When we look at ourselves, I mean really look at ourselves, mourning should be our next response.

If you’re anything like me, you will miss the mark.  You don’t get it right every time.  We are filthy rags living in a filthy world.  Horrible things happen to us and our loved ones.  Horrible things happen around us.  Suffering happens to us all.  Whether it’s a consequence of wrong actions or even suffering that occurs from following the will of God.  And that will make you sad.  That will make you disheartened.  It will make you mourn.  What does mourning do to you?  How does it affect your attitude?  How does it affect your behavior?  After all, we’re still discussing our attitudes.

Let’s be real.  Going through trials and tribulations can leave us with horrible dispositions.  We can become constant complainers.  We can be rude to others.  It can also cause us to become frustrated with God.  We might lose heart and not even feel like staying in the fight.  Or you may have matured to the point that you can fake it for the crowds and be miserable at home.  That is not a real victory.

Pastor posed the thought that we should mourn with dignity.  Yes, we face obstacles that bring us to our knees.  Sometimes literally.  It should also bring us to our knees spiritually.  And make us turn our faces to God.  When we mourn, God comforts us.  He cares for us.  He dispenses His grace and mercy on us.

Mourning with dignity really requires us to trust in God.  That’s a very churchy way to say that we have to do some work.  It’s much harder to respond to suffering with dignity when you have nothing internally to draw from.  Daily devotional time is necessary.  Some benefit from writing out meditations.  It may be helpful to have Biblical promises displayed in your home or at your workstation.  We have to arm ourselves to win.  God will honor the time that we spend with Him.

Not only do I have a date with Wednesday nights, but I also have a date with dignity.  #wepreach