What Does It Mean To Be Blessed
Matthew 5 3-19
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do 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 the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
As Christians, we commonly know these verse as the beatitudes of the bible. It is a basic guide for how we should be as Christians. By doing as Jesus says that we are blessed. However, people tend to see the word "Blessed" as a tangible outcome. Some believe to be blessed is to be in good health, good finance or something physical desirable. We even say that our blessing will come in future when Christ comes back. Although these things are indeed possible, and even truthful in the case of Christ return, however, there is more to be "blessed" than these tangible items.
When we look at the original Greek, we see that the word "Blessed" is the word makarios. Now this does not seem like a big deal to us, it is simply just a word. However, to the ancient Greeks it was so much more it was a state of life.
Makarios = Content in One's Life
First, for a person to truly be makarios, the person is content with their life and their station. This is something that is not always easy to do. Too often we as people are always looking for the next best thing, or the greenest pasture. There is nothing wrong in wanting to improve your life, but it does become a problem when it is all consuming. Paul said in Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
What Paul was saying was that no matter what he went through; sickness or health, wealth or poverty he would be content as long as God is with him.
Makarios-Balanced in One's Life
Secondly, makarios is having a balanced life. Have you ever been around a person who seemed to happy one minute then angry the next? Have you seen person whose faith in God is only dependent on the situation that they are in. This person is unbalanced and is not someone who you can generally trust in times of trials. Quite frankly, James said it best in James 1:8
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
So as Christians, our blessing should be that our life is balanced by holding fast to the truth of God.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Makarios-Harmony in One'Life
Next, makarios is having harmony in your life. A simple definition of harmony is when several voices sing different parts to a song to make a beautiful melody. This is what God wants for us in our lives, he wants our lives to be in harmony and with peace with one another. This is easily seen in Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
We may have different opinions, but we can still follow peace together to make this life better. It is much like singing, some may be a baritone, others an alto, but together it is something beautiful. However, want happens when people do not want peace with us. Should we treat them as they treat us? This is what Jesus says in Luke chapter 6:
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thycoat also.
30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
It does not get any plainer than that. Just because others do not wish to live in harmony, does not give you the right to do the same. This is why being makarios or "blessed" is so important. It allows us to live a harmonious life, even when those around us are not.
Makarios is the real meaning of "Blessed"
So in conclusion, when Christ calls us "blessed", he is telling us multiple things. That if when adhere to the beatitudes as Christians our life's will be makarios. We would have lives of contentment, balance, and harmony. No matter what the world may throw our way, no matter what circumstances may befall us. God promised us makarios will be our defining trait. So I will end this by simply saying.
May your life be makarios.
