Poor in Spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt. 5:3)it it

The words "spirit is poor" is commonly used in religious circles, but can you tell what it really means? The idea of living a lifestyle that includes being poor in any way is alien to most Christians today. We generally believe that Jesus wants to make us rich - rich in heart, wealth, and life.  Yet, Jesus said the individual who embraces the value of spiritual poverty, being poor in spirit, receives the kingdom. I believe that the opposite is true as well; those who will not embrace spiritual poverty as a lifestyle will not receive the kingdom.

To be poor in heart means to be spiritually poor without Jesus It literally means a person who is destitute in every way, and who lives spiritually destitute like a beggar.Living in poverty by the spirit means knowing that we can't conjure up good things inside of us. Any affluence we have is due only to him. He gives us grace, but we are still poor, and without him we are lost. In other words, without Jesus, you have nothing. Another way is to say, "Blessed are the spiritually poor." It is not something that you want to be treated. It's a life that recognizes your complete dependence on God for everything. While we are in the physical body, we will certainly be poor in spirit. The amazing reward that Jesus promises to those who live poor in spirit is the possession of the kingdom of God. In other words, the blessing that they will receive is the kingdom itself. The entrance to the kingdom of God is only open to the one who embraces the reality of living poor in spirit.

Jesus rebuked the church of Laodicea. Because they believed they were not rich and poor. "So you are lukewarm, and not cold or hot, and I will vomit you out of my mouth. I advise you to buy from Me Gold because you say, 'I'm rich, I'm rich, I need nothing,' and you don't know you're miserable, poor, blind and naked.' (Revelation  3:16-18) They became comfortable, and in the sense of false consolation, because they believed that they could escape from spiritual poverty without Jesus Christ. They lived in delusions believing that they were well supplied. But in reality they were in desperate spiritual need. When Jesus examined their lives, they were exposed to those at risk of judgment and destruction. His firm but kind correction to them was repentance and eager search for God. He was calling them a lifestyle of spiritual poverty again.

Although God will give us many blessings in this life, we will never pass the poor in heart. Isaiah 66:2 promises us, “But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” The Lord sets His gaze upon those who embrace spiritual poverty as a lifelong value. He is intently focused on the one who is aware of His spiritual need. Living poor in spirit is the path for all those who will be true citizens of the kingdom of God.

Only Jesus Christ satisfies our spirit. Only in Jesus can our lives become rich and have real joy. Only Jesus Christ recognizes our master of life is a life that is poor in spirit.

May the Lord richly you as you seek for the Kingdom of God by being poor in your spirit.