I have heard pastors say that the sermon on the mount should really be called the teaching on the mount. (The original is found in Matthew Chapter 5 and is also called The Beatitudes.) I imagine Jesus saying these words in a modern day version.

Before he would speak, however, he would tell everyone to turn off their electronic devices. I’m sure there would be people snapping pictures and posting to social media and tweeting. But, he would encourage people to unplug from those devices for just a little while. I wouldn’t be surprised if he would also lead the group in a guided meditation to clear thoughts of the day, to be fully present in order to receive his message. He would then probably offer a short prayer much like our pastor says. It would be something along the lines of, “Dear Heavenly Father, help us to open our hearts, our minds, and our imagination to these words.”

The Modern Day Sermon on the Mount

You’re blessed when you hit rock bottom. Because then you can rely on God to go to work for you.

You’re blessed when you mourn. That means you feel compassion and empathy for others. You begin to understand that we are all one.

You’re blessed when you are humble and authentic. That is worth way more than fleeting power and material possessions.

You’re blessed when you hunger and thirst after spiritual things instead of worldly things. You will feel full instead of empty.

You’re blessed when you express kindness. You will receive kindness in return.

You’re blessed when you allow God’s presence and goodness to fill your mind, heart and soul. Then you will see God in the outside world.

You are blessed if you live in peace and create peace. Then you will understand what it means to be a child of God. You are fulfilling God’s dream for world peace.

You’re blessed when people make fun of you or ridicule you for my sake. That means you struck a nerve. Well done! Many of my followers have experienced this. You are in good company.

You’re blessed if you are persecuted because of your relationship with God. God knows and sees everything. God will reward you for your faithfulness.

You are the salt of the earth. Salt is useful! It preserves and adds flavor. If you lose your saltiness, your flavor, your passion, your God qualities, you will no longer be useful and effective.

You are the light of the world! Like a city on top of a hill, you can’t be hidden.

If you light a candle, you don’t put it under a basket. No! You put it in a candle holder to light the house.

By shining your light, you are shining the light of God into the lives of others. Shine brightly!

When you hear and do what I’ve just told you, you will be wise and your life’s foundation will be solid and unmovable like a rock. You will weather the storms in life and stand tall.

Now, go! Be blessed and be a blessing! Let your light shine!

If any part of this resonated with you, please share your comments below.

I love my quiet time in the mornings where I received what I call “God’s downloads” that inspire me to write posts like these. It wasn’t until I spent time with God through prayer, meditation, Lectio Divina (meditating on Scripture) and contemplative prayer that I was able to quiet my mind and listen to God. If you would like to learn more about these practices, I’ve put together a free mini course outlining them called Be Present with God. You can click on the link to learn more or access the course by putting your first name and email in the form below. 

Free Mini Course – How to Be Present with God