How Then Should I Live?
by Michael Doyle

I look around this world with troubles to see
And I wonder to myself how then should I be?
There are troubles all around - enough to see
The need is here everywhere for another way to be

I looked at all religions and into philosophy
Until finally believing in the ways of Christianity
Not that leaders don't sometimes make mistakes
But it's not God's lessons that bring heartaches

It's the ways of man however great the illusion
That seems to lead us blindly into our confusion
We have thoughts enough in a fanciful profusion
But only one path brings us to our absolution

The world's troubles can set a heart to disbelieving
But considering the miracles of life, it's in believing
That we might set this world in the direction of right
We can do our part by keeping the  Beatitudes in sight

There is no more comfortable home that finds me
Then to think over the guidance of Christian theology
When seeking answers to the world's probing questions
Turning to the mount's sermon brings no hesitation

But it might just be that it brings a clue or two
On how we might be better citizens into clear view
Maybe we should think over that sermon's meaning
When you and I seek to become better human beings

Head

Our place in the kingdom isn't a place of pride
But instead, one of humility worn so as not to hide
Thinking of ourselves less and putting others first
The poor in spirit lean in to quench their thirst

Living with a sinful nature that leads us to sin
We mourn our misdeeds and in repentance seek God again
In earnest recognition, we ask our Lord God to forgive
To correct our relationship once again to rightly live

Humility, patience, and obedience are steps of meekness
These take great strength and are not steps in weakness
At times this requires submitting to another's leadership
As we meekly adhere in relationship and in God's worship

Heart

An unjust world offers hope as righteousness is ratified
Our hunger and thirst come through faith to be satisfied
Starting with little things to make the world more right
This is the path to walk in our Savior's guiding light

God mercifully extends mercy toward us in loving embrace
We are to echo this in our treatment of this human race
God hung on Calvary's cross gave mercy to point of death
Forgiving smaller transgressions is simple as a breath

Sincere, selfless love for  others and God is purely given
In obedience to truth by the blood of Christ we are forgiven
It is through Christ we are empowered and renewed as we pray
It is through His strength that we are purified in this way

Hands

As the children of God we are peacemakers in our communities
Seeking peace in all we do with our families and our enemies
The shalom that comes only from God is to be sought from all
In our walk and talk, in all we do, until the clock hand falls

Antithetical to the world's ways, the godly will be persecuted
While simultaneously our cried for peace and mercy are muted
Jesus tells us that our righteousness may bring us tribulation
But by God's grace these very things bring us our absolution

It is by these ways that we live well in a world that is falling
By doing this, we are righteously living our Christian calling
These are the blueprint for a just and equitable sense of society
Working toward the common good with love forging our legacy  

(c) June 30, 2024   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved