Lessons from Sermon on the Mount

Rev. Walter Klockers, in his thoughtful article (CBH July 6, 2018) urged us to avoid the “pesky, negative” thoughts and “self-pity, resignation and despair” which sometimes result from our pursuit of perfection. Certainly good advice. But remember, it was the Lord himself, who commanded us to “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” (St. Matthew 5:48) The Lord desires to move us in that direction that we might receive his blessings. As we each consider our own life experiences, we see that the Lord does not withhold blessings until we have reached perfection but blesses and helps us in our efforts.

The Lord’s commandment to seek perfection is given as a part of the Sermon on the Mount. The truth and sublimity of the principles in that sermon are impressive. They can be followed. Recently, in the MeToo movement, women are rightfully coming forth to denounce abuse that resulted from lust. Hollywood personalities express indignation, but Hollywood’s movies continue to glorify lust, portraying lust as true love. Their talk does not match their walk. Genuine love between relationships, particularly between husband and wife, contributes greatly to a person’s happiness. It is worth the effort to achieve it. The Sermon on the Mount includes other principles we can try to improve on and therefore receive those blessings.

Lucifer does promote discouragement and urges us to conclude that we are fallen and without hope. People who appear in a criminal court seldom plead that they are fallen persons and cannot obey the criminal law. We, of course, are able to obey the criminal law and we also can, with persistence, obey the principles taught by the Savior. The Lord invites our obedience so we can receive his blessings.

We believe in and worship Jesus Christ not only because of his immense power because of his sonship but because of his character. He could say with complete confidence, “Do as you have seen me do.” Jesus Christ was faced with all the temptations we are faced with and more but he gave no heed to them. He had the power to reject the enticement of Satan. With his help, we can too.

Kenneth Jorgenson

Moses Lake