True disciples, that is, followers of Christ, will want to follow him. But it’s not merely an issue of do’s and don’ts.. it’s a matter of the heart and who is Lord and Master of your heart.
When we choose to live as Christ lived, it will give us great joy, peace and happiness to love as he loved and serve as he served. Jesus’s sermon on the Mount is more than a list of rules or laws, but the inner qualities and characteristics of those who choose to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him.
The beatitudes represent the mind of Christ and the way he lived and modeled for people who choose to follow Him. This will be their attitude as he cultivates His life in them; as He lives in and through them, filled with and walking in the Spirit.
As we choose to follow Him in this way, we become the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16) reflecting his life and light, as he transforms us by the renewing of our minds. This is how his love spreads from person to person. This is the fulfillment of the great commandment, to live God with all of our being, and our neighbors as ourselves.
Matthew 5:1-12 NKJV
[1] And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. [2] Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: [3] “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [4] Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. [5] Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. [6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. [7] Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. [8] Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. [9] Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. [10] Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. [12] Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
https://bible.com/bible/114/mat.5.1-12.NKJV
Living As Light 
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