Waze for Life

[If you have time, read Matthew 5 before the lesson]

Waze and other GPS apps have revolutionized efficient driving, but do you remember the “old days”? Back then, how would you know if you needed to get off the highway to re-route a few miles before a big traffic jam? Or how could you be completely confident with every turn of a set of complicated driving directions?

In those days, it was possible to make a wrong turn and then drive miles before realizing you were lost. You were actually lost right when you made that turn but the fact that you were lost wasn’t always immediately apparent. Waze isn’t perfect, but if you follow it, you’re less likely to get too far off track for too long.

Similarly, what if we had a “Waze” for life that would help us with our direction? Since you’re sitting in a Christian men’s group, you may have already figured out that we’re going to discuss the idea that the Bible can be our own personal Waze.

And within the Bible, there are plenty of examples we can use as our life’s GPS – 10 Commandments; Love God, Love People; the parables of Jesus – but today we’ll cover the Beatitudes of Jesus which are contained in Matthew 5:3-10:

• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
• Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
• Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
• Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

If you would like to go deeper in your understanding of the Beatitudes, Dr. Bill will cover each of them in a series of sermons in June and July. For now, here are a few questions for discussion:

1. Do you agree that a life modeled on the Beatitudes can serve as a “Waze for life” and help us avoid getting too lost for too long?
2. Which Beatitude do you most consistently follow, and which one do you need to work on the most?
3. Can you share an example of a situation that would have gone more smoothly if you would have referenced your “Beatitude GPS” before engaging?
4. In your opinion, how does access to the internet and social media affect our ability to live a life consistent with the Beatitudes?