Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Long before Jesus was born, the wise King Solomon penned these words: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
To be poor in spirit suggests one who's down on his luck, low man on the totem pole. The Greek word used in this instance is ptockos, which means to crouch as a beggar or pauper. The Greek word for spirit is pneuma suggesting the very soul, the breath of life. Blessed is the word Makarios, indicating extreme good fortune, supremely blest. The fortunate, Jesus tells us, are those whose souls are hungry. Those who hunger for Him.
It's been my experience that prideful people have no sense of need in their lives. They're often independent, relying on themselves and taking credit for any accomplishments they achieve.
Those of faith who struggle in one way or another, draw closer to God in seeking to understand, accept, push through and rise above their circumstances. They demonstrate deeper compassion for one another, a longing for wisdom rather than material possessions, and a hope for the future.
Jesus is not just talking about people who are in a low position. He's talking about those who lower themselves spiritually, being humbled, prepared for God's purposes.
Heaven is our destination. The things of this world are temporal and slip through our fingers like salt through a sieve. Don't get hung up on stuff. Whatever you don't have here, don't feel cheated. Trust me, God has so much more to offer when we get home. I believe (and this is strictly my opinion) that the less we have here on earth, the more blessed we'll be in heaven.
When God sees people who live in opulence while there are millions starving and oppressed around the world, who do you think will find a better reward in heaven? I'm not saying wealthy Christians will not receive God's blessings. On the contrary, if they have abundantly shared their wealth in caring for the needy, the Lord will pour out His blessings on earth and in heaven. But those who have no love for God, who give to the needy only for the sake of tax shelters, have all the reward they will ever know. And I'm certain the greatest riches of this earth are like dirt compared to the inheritance we have in the kingdom of God.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Dear Heavenly Father, the older I get, the more I understand this principle. The material goods of this world just don't mean a thing. They bring but little pleasure, and the more we have, the more we seem to want. It's never enough. Rather, may we acquire hearts like that of Albanian Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, famously known as Mother Theresa, who lived to serve the poor, walking by these words of Jesus throughout her life. Would my humble life honor You Lord, would I keep my eyes heavenward. In Jesus' name, amen.
