Experts Were Once Beginners – Matthew 5; Luke 6

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (Feb. 13–19)

One of the most common mistakes people make when changing a behavior or trying a new skill is to expect too much too soon. They want to be an expert without being a beginner. When expectations aren’t met, they quit. Two days is the average time of trying a new diet before giving up. One beginner ski day is when many quit because they fall too much. Listening takes too much time and patience, so why bother! 

Real change comes from a progression of small steps, lots, and lots of practice, getting back up when you fall and learning each time you fail to be just a little bit better. In the gospel this is called repentance, and the Beatitudes are a map for spiritual growth through continual repentance. Consider these incremental steps to becoming like Christ:

Be poor in spirit: Recognize the behavior (weakness) you should work on now.

Mourn: Feel Godly sorrow that leads to a strong desire to change, not worldly shame.

Be meek: Be open to guidance from the Holy Ghost and others on how to change.

Hunger and thirst after righteousness: Don’t give up when it gets hard.

Be merciful: Be kind and compassionate with yourself when you fail and make a mistake.

Be pure in heart: As you change, observe yourself become more aligned with Christ in your thoughts, actions, feelings, and spirit.

Be a peacemaker: Be less judgmental, look for peaceful resolutions, increase your love for all God’s children, including yourself.

Be persecuted for righteousness’ sake: Pass the test of real change and full commitment when challenged. Stand for Christ.

The progression from being a beginner to an expert (being perfect) is a lifetime, and probably eternal, process. Because of His atonement, the only real failure is when we quit trying. 

To help us not give up, there are wonderful, promised blessings each time we take a step forward. I imagine heavenly cheerleaders, cheering us on, “Keep going! You’ve got this! We’re here for you!” 

Emotional Resilience Skill: Stay engaged in the process of change. Be patient as a beginner knowing that with practice, persistence, and perspiration there are great blessings in store both through the journey and when we reach our destination.