Diet Devotional 13

Matthew 5:6 - "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

I never really got into the Beatitudes (the section from Jesus' sermon on the mountainside found in Matt 5:3-11). For some reason, it just never hit home for me. I figured one day that it would mean something, and today's that day. This passage talks about spiritual issues of the heart. I just finished writing a review on Desperate Housewives episode from Sunday and it covered maladies of the heart, illnesses that are of a spiritual and emotional kind. That opened my eyes to these passages. Christ notes a special kind of blessing for those who overcome each issue in the list. So, I thought I might apply this passage to my "fathead" issues, the things that make me want to eat. And they all have been a culprit at one point or another. Let me run through them quickly.

Has someone else gotten credit for something I've done well, and I've eaten out of anger? Blessed are the poor in spirit.

Have I ignored a loss or death in my life, instead drinking alcohol ot numb the pain? Blessed are those who mourn.

Have I been prideful in my actions, and eaten out of guilt later?
Blessed are the meek.

Have I pursued things that leave me empty and stuffed my face when they didn't work? Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.

Have I been unfair or unforgiving, having some cookies instead of dealing with confrontation? Blesssed are the merciful.

Have I hidden my sin and tried instead to self-destruct through food?
Blessed are the pure in heart.

Have I shied away from confrontation and conflict between two people that I loved, hanging out at the snack table instead?
Blessed are the peacemakers.

Have I been treated unfairly and rewarded myslef with an elaborate meal for enduring the injustice? Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.

Have I eaten because I couldn't endure the injustice? Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kids of evil against you because of me (Christ).

If I can choose the spiritual action instead of the physical action, I am sure to be blessed. Jesus said it. I believe it.