In Matthew 5 Christ gives the Sermon on the Mount where he lists the "Beatitudes". Previously, I've thought of the beatitudes as simply a linear list of characteristics and resulting blessings. I imagined groups of people in each category and wondered which group I personally belonged to. However, after studying this chapter in my New Testament class this week, I see this list differently. As we treat the beatitudes like a spiral staircase, the preceding trait giving rise to the next, we realize that we don't belong only to one or two groups of people that Christ is describing, but rather all groups. We can recognize the need for the previous listed step in order to achieve the next. "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This trait defines a recognition of one's imperfection and gap between God and man. This act gives rise to mourning, "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Upon recognizing this seemingly infinite gap, we feel sorrow. We see that Heavenly Father possess qualities which we hope for but have not yet achieved. This leads us to humble ourselves, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." Upon feeling such sorrow, we understand that only through God's will, can we become like Him. We decide to submit our desires and passions to Him. And so on and so forth. The list begins to paint the picture of a large spiral staircase we are all ascending toward our heavenly home. I love the idea that this sermon is not meant to be linear in nature but rather cyclic and a means of progression because that is essentially what God's plan is all about. He wants us to re-learn and apply old things in new situations. And that is what I love about Him; He does not see us for who we are but rather who we are becoming and what direction we are headed.