Living Between the Blessings and the Woes

"The choice isn’t just about where we are today—it’s about where we are headed."

Jesus' Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6 challenges us to examine where we place our trust. His words about blessings and woes aren’t just about economic status or social standing—they’re about the condition of our hearts. The poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the rejected are blessed because they recognize their deep need for God. Meanwhile, those who are rich, satisfied, and well-liked are warned because self-sufficiency can blind them to their need for Him. Jesus isn’t condemning wealth or joy, but He is calling us to be honest about what we rely on. Are we clinging to comfort, success, and approval, or are we depending on Him for true life?

This passage pushes us beyond personal reflection to consider the way we engage with the world. Jesus' words challenge the systems that reward power and prosperity while overlooking those in need. In God’s kingdom, greatness isn’t found in wealth or reputation but in humility, service, and trust in Him. The early Methodists understood this well, living out their faith through acts of mercy and justice. If we take Jesus’ teaching seriously, it means more than just personal righteousness—it means standing up for the poor, feeding the hungry, and using what we have for God’s purposes rather than our own comfort. Holiness and justice go hand in hand, and true blessing is found in living for something greater than ourselves.

Ultimately, Jesus’ message isn’t about guilt but about transformation. He invites us to realign our hearts with His kingdom, to loosen our grip on temporary things, and to seek the lasting joy of knowing and following Him. If we find ourselves in the blessings, we can take heart that God is near. If we recognize the woes creeping in, we have the opportunity to turn back before we become too at home in this world. This isn’t about checking a box or earning His favor—it’s about letting God shape us into people who trust Him completely. So today, let’s ask the hard questions. Where is our security? Where is our hunger? And most importantly, are we willing to let go of what doesn’t last so we can take hold of what truly matters?