Monday Mantra – Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven Matthew 5:3 NIV

I’ve met rich men who are poor and poor men who are rich. It all depends on your value system. The world has one set of values -”He, who dies with the most toys, fame, etc., wins”. And Jesus, gave another one – “happy, blessed, are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. In that value system material wealth or lack of it, has no bearing.

How do we understand what Jesus was trying to teach and how do we live it out?

• Almost all commentators highlight Matthew’s qualifier – poor in spirit – to indicate Jesus was not talking about material poverty.  Yet, in Luke 6:20, Jesus’ words do not include the phrase “in spirit”. Either way, His principle is not primarily about the money.
• Exalting the “Poor” was a countercultural term then, as it is now. Normally, we exalt and place higher value on those who are wealthy or higher educated. 
• “Poor” reveals the condition of possessing little to nothing. To enter God’s kingdom one must come as a child. It is by grace that we have been saved, not of works, lest anyone should boast. We add or provide nothing to gain our salvation. Jesus did ALL the heavy lifting to cleanse us from our sins. We come to him wretched, poor and brokenhearted.
• “Poor” rubs up against the word humble or humility. One who is poor in spirit possesses an attitude that realizes we deserve nothing ( haven’t earned the right). Those who are Jesus’s followers are humble – definitely counter culture.
• Those who are poor in spirit have learned the art of abiding in the vine. The branch is nothing if not connected to the vine. But staying connected to the vine will allow much fruit to come. We are the branch and His is the vine – remembering that relationship connection establishes the basis for being “poor in spirit”.

What makes those “poor in spirit” rich?

• Those who are poor in spirit have access to all of the riches of the kingdom of heaven. The doorway is open. The invitation to come and drink, to come and dine, to buy food without money is always open. The debit card is in their grasp, and the PIN provided for by Jesus. You are free to use it.
• The riches of the kingdom of heaven are righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit are yours. May you be ever growing in love, peace, joy, Patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. You have unhindered access to all of these….all the time…whenver you want them or need them.
• It is true that this promise is also for a future inheritance, but these treasures are available to you right now. Jesus said the peace offered is not like the peace of the world which comes and goes with good or bad times.  His peace remains. This is true for all of heaven’s treasures

Jesus said the treasure of heaven belongs to those who are poor in spirit, live in humbleness. To those who show gratitude for being forgiven much, the curtains are pulled back wide. 

How do we enter into the condition or state of being “poor in spirit”?

• It’s not a check list,
• It’s not  a blank mental state of bliss.
• It’s not a one time attitude of one and done
• It’s not a verbal or mental agreement that poor in spirit is a good idea for Christians
• It’s not a repetitive  self deprecating mantra of “I’m just no good” or “I’m worthless”.

Some mindsets or actions that might be helpful to cultivate

• Its found along the pathway of considering others as more important than yourself.
• Take time in prayer to contemplate the cross of Jesus. Notice His sacrifice, holiness, sin’s ugliness, all have sinned, forgiveness, and that He still loves and accepts you.
• Study the subject of humility.   Andrew Murray wrote one entitled Humility. Quote from book -”Humility is not so much a grace or virtue along with others; it is the root of all, because it alone assumes the right attitude before God and allows Him as God to do all” pg 9. Notice it is God’s might working through our weakness.
• Study the promises of God to his children and the attitudes necessary to receive them.

Sometimes God uses conflicts or trials to help us remember our need for Him. When the crutches are kicked out from under you….Jesus is still there to catch you. He doesn’t move away.

To be honest, this has been a tough blog to write. On the one hand, I am geared up to grab a hold of the treasures of the kingdom of God that are for the poor in spirit. On the other hand, the flesh side of me wants to reject emptying myself.

Like the Laodicean’s it is easier to be luke warm and think that I am clothed and seeing rather than naked and blind. May we ask for Holy Spirit to apply His eye salve so we can truly see ourselves.  Without His powerful light exposing our darkness, we will continue to stumble in our own pride. He does need time for us to slow down and be still to reveal how the salve is to be applied to our lives. Its worth the time.

On this Monday Mantra may we remember that there is a blessing for the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. In Christ. The poor are rich.

Blessings Love y’all