對於我們這些生長在1950至1960年代的美國孩子來說，棒球可說是當時最流行的休閒運動。像我就總是迫不及待地想去公園打棒球，而最令我興奮的事情之一，就是拿到印有我們棒球隊名字「巨人隊」的球衣。雖然球衣背後的數字9將我與其他人區分開來，但相同的球衣卻清楚標示出我們這些人屬於同一支隊伍。

在馬太福音5章3-10節中（又稱「八福」），耶穌將那些屬於天國的人定義為活出基督樣式的人，他們都具備這位君王的心態和品格，這些人就像穿上同樣代表基督的「球衣」。根據耶穌的教導，「有福」並不取決於一個人的外表、健康或財富，而是在於他的內在或心靈的狀態。例如，「虛心的人有福了」（3節），他們心存謙卑，承認自己的心靈空虛貧乏；「飢渴慕義的人有福了」（6節），他們的心靈渴望討上帝喜悅，並且榮耀上帝；「使人和睦的人有福了」（9節），他們與耶穌一起促進和諧。

因着聖靈的幫助，我們可以「披戴主耶穌基督」，活出基督的榮美，讓人認出我們是基督徒，是祂團隊中的成員。如此看來，我們確實是有福的！

As a child of the 1950s and ’60s, I grew up in the era when “America’s pastime” was baseball. I couldn’t wait to go to the park and play ball, and one of my greatest thrills was when I received my baseball jersey emblazoned with our team’s name—GIANTS! Though the number 9 on the back distinguished me from the others, the common uniform identified us as being on the same team.

In Matthew 5:3-10, known as the Beatitudes, Jesus identifies those who belong to the kingdom of heaven as those who “wear the jersey” of Christlikeness. The kingdom of heaven is comprised of those who assume the posture and character of their king. According to Jesus, “blessed” persons aren’t characterized by external appearance, health, or possessions. Rather, it’s the inside or heart of a person that counts. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (v. 3)—the humble—those who are spiritually needy and know it. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6)—those whose soul’s yearning is to please and honor God. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (v. 9)—those who join Jesus in the pursuit of harmony.

As the Spirit helps us, we can put on the garment of Christlikeness, which identifies us as believers in Jesus and members of His team. As such, we’re blessed indeed!