Words That Changed The World..

There are speeches that have revolutionized our culture. Martin Luther King Jr.’s, “I Have a Dream” speech did wonders to change the minds of millions. Abraham Lincoln’s monument walls echo with wisdom and leadership that I could spend all day reading.

The life of culture changes direction by the courageous actions of others. Fighting for what is right and truthful takes courage.

I listened to a talk that Andy Stanley gave about Matt 5. He unfolded the way the Sermon on the Mount changed life and culture as we know it.

Jesus took the courageous step to introduce a better way of living then that of the current culture. He spoke and revealed words of truth that pierced the heart. Life was meant to be known and lived differently than that of tyranny and abuse.

Life was to be leveraged in love not power.

Jesus delivered a speech that laid the foundations for life as we know it to be, or at least knew it to be. I feel like we are moving further and further away from those words that Jesus spoke.

Before Jesus ever delivered one of those words from the Sermon on the Mount that day, He lived them out first. Jesus introduced his truth through life lived first and then put words to them.

Once people got a glimpse of His very different life, He sat them down and said…

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

This speech changed everything about how life was to be known and lived. These words set the new path for culture and our world views. Life and people have meaning through these words. This speech eventually redefined Rome.

Life is to be lived and leveraged from love not power. It changed everything.

This speech still stands true today. These words can still change culture by the way we live them out.

Let’s change the world.