Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
What does it mean to be poor in spirit? It means to be humble before God. To be poor in spirit is to live our lives in humbled obedience to God. If you think it is beneath you to humble yourself or that it is impossible to deliberately think less of yourself, then, my friend, you need help. And that Help is The Holy Spirit.
We are hearing God speak to us when we read in His Word how to humble ourselves to His will. We have our example in Christ.
Philippians 2:8 tells us that "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross."
To humble ourselves is to not rebel against God's Word which we have heard. Isaiah 50:5 "The Lord GOD has opened My ears, and I have not been rebellious, nor have I turned back."
To humble ourselves is to focus on Christ and not on ourselves. We can cry "Woe is me!" and draw attention to ourselves or we can shout "Glory Hallelujah! Jesus leadeth me!" Hebrews 12:2 "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
To humble ourselves is to surrender what we want for what God wants. Jeremiah 4:4 "“Circumcise (dedicate, sanctify) yourselves to the LORD And remove the foreskin [sins] of your heart, Men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Or else My wrath will go forth like fire [consuming all that gets in its way] And burn and there will be no one to quench it, Because of the evil of your acts.”
To humble ourselves is to purposely decrease our say-so and let God say thus and thus. John 3:30 " He must increase, but I must decrease."
To humble ourselves is to give God the glory and not take credit for anything He says and does. Ever. Who found the perfect outfit for you to wear? God. Who showed you which tool to use for which project? God. Who reveals Himself in nature? God. Every question can be answered for God is the solution.
When Christ humbled Himself, He surrendered to God's Will and submitted Himself to God's Purpose and Plan. It was a battle (Luke 22:) but The Spirit was with Him and He was able to overcome the flesh part of Him that He might fulfill God's Plan of Salvation for His people. Luke 22:42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”
To be poor in spirit is to intentionally honor God in our daily lives, bringing our self-desires into alignment with His desires for us. Only then will be blessed (to be envied because of God's benefits on us).
Are you ready to be "poor in spirit"?
