Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
I want to share an incredible irony with you. Even though the middle class has shrunken severely over the past several years, the economy has suffered a near-fatal blow, and what prosperity we see is unbelievable. Poverty is still unwelcome. Yet, spiritual poverty is actually desirable and leads to spiritual prosperity.
High on the Hog?
Even though many who used to have high credit scores and could once get premium loans with low interest rates have since suffered foreclosures and may now find it difficult to be approved for apartment rental agreements in decent areas, they would be insulted if you called them poor or needy. Even though food prices have skyrocketed, many well-educated people have lost their high-paying positions in well-established careers and are now compelled to accept whatever is available to make ends meet, nobody wants to openly identify with poverty.
Here’s the irony: although families feel the difficult squeeze of poverty, Jesus opened His famed Sermon on the Mount with a blessing on those who are poor, underprivileged, and insignificant of spirit. He said that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. Further, He said they should be happy, envied, and full of joy and satisfaction in God’s favor regardless of their circumstances! What irony.
Unlike those who experience financial crises, become familiar with living below the poverty line, or have suffered incredible material loss, those who know their need for God’s wealth of power are considered blessed. Knowing that we are nothing without the miracle of grace is a precious mindset.
An Enviable Position
So many, especially religious people, in the last days, feel rich, increased with goods, and in need of nothing. So many, especially religious people, do not even realize we are miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Worse, some of us ignore the Spirit’s pleading to humble ourselves and receive His wealth in exchange for our impoverished souls. Those who recognize spiritual poverty and submit to God are enviable. It is then that we are receptive to God’s help. Humility is the key to recognizing our great need and joyfully accepting God’s provision. And Jesus has promised that those who occupy this enviable position have the kingdom of heaven as their possession.
Ask the Lord for a sense of your spiritual poverty and get ready to receive the wealth of His Spirit’s presence. Get ready to receive His eternal reward.
