‘Poor in spirit’ something to strive for in life
By Karen O. Allen
ewerblessed.com/blog
Every Wednesday for the past decade I have met with my prayer partner, Jean. Before we pray, we discuss upcoming events, family, church and spiritual concerns.
On one of my recent visits Jean asked a question that gave me pause.
What does “poor in spirit” mean? I had an idea but confessed I really wasn’t sure.
I agreed to do a little research and report back the next week. I was glad she asked since I had wondered about the answer myself.
So what is this phrase “poor in spirit” about?
Some might suggest it refers to economic poverty. That God wants us to be poor. Not true.
Certainly God warns us about the dangers of money, but that doesn’t mean He desires us to be lacking. Quite the opposite.
God desires us to have an abundance, enabling us to be a channel of blessing for others.
The phrase poor in spirit is only used once in the Bible when Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3).
The verse is the first of eight beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus shared insights into true righteousness and the blessings it brings.
This righteousness Jesus described is internal, a matter of Christian character. The Pharisees of the day knew nothing about this as they followed external righteousness based on law. Their concern was on conduct, not character.
Jesus’ message was used as a teaching moment for His disciples and those listening on the mountainside, but the powerful words are still applicable today for believers.
Who, what and why?
Who are the poor in spirit? The rich tend to feel security in wealth. If that wealth is threatened, they may feel their earthly life could collapse. Not the poor in spirit. The poor in spirit understand they have absolutely nothing of worth to offer God.
This doesn’t mean they are worthless and can’t do anything.
It means they are aware of their desperate need for His help and cannot live without Him.
To be poor in spirit means to be humble and honest with ourselves recognizing our sinful nature and submitting to His mercy for deliverance.
Being poor in spirit acknowledges that on a spiritual level all people are bankrupt.
In fact, we aren’t just spiritually bankrupt, we are spiritually dead because of our sinfulness. But Christ allows for a resurrection of spirit to live beyond this life. He offers eternal life.
Being poor in spirit is something to strive for.
There is value and importance in its acquisition. The stakes are high.
Those who are poor in spirit are blessed with the kingdom of heaven.
Humility, having a servant’s heart and exhibiting dependence on God’s grace and provision summarize the characteristics of the poor in spirit.
Being blessed with this quality results in embracing the spiritual wealth we have inherited in Christ.
Characteristics of being poor in spirit
(modified from Aksel Smith’s ActiveChristianity)
- Does not exalt oneself and is not proud. May be considered insignificant by others but rejoices in humiliation.
- Does not seek honor from others.
- Occupies the lowest place, not to be recognized, but because that is where it is most suitable.
- Reserved in conduct — not aggressive or demanding.
- Gives up advantages for the benefit of others.
- Does not seek recognition; only a desire to do God’s will.
- Longs for others to come under the influence of God.
- Works calmly and never in haste using every precious minute without waste.
- Denies himself or herself so as not to be offensive.
- Willingly accepts his or her cross to bear without complaint.
- Happy wherever he is as he knows God is there.
- Contributes to the good of others.
- No work is insignificant. Serving others, no matter how small, is worthy.
- Does not discriminate in any circumstance.
- Would willingly sacrifice his life if needed.
- Listens to God’s voice and heeds His calling.
Karen O. Allen
ewerblessed.com/blog
Excerpts from the Beatitudes (Matt. 5)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. …
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. … [G]reat is your reward. …”
Armstrong’s continuing influence
Annie Armstrong was tireless in her efforts on behalf of Southern Baptists. We all enjoy the fruits from the toil of her labor.
As a young adult, Armstrong helped Southern Baptists open and sustain foreign missions fields. With encouragement from Lottie Moon, Armstrong helped Southern Baptists continue to channel their energies toward missions with the launch of Woman’s Missionary Union on May 14, 1888.
Armstrong was elected as the first corresponding secretary of WMU and would fill the role (unsalaried) for 18 years.
During her first year, Annie personally wrote 637 letters and 182 postcards. She doubled the letters written the second year, and in the third she sent 2,737. In 1894, she wrote 17,718 letters. Her writing hand was damaged permanently by this effort and never regained its strength.
All money collected by the organization would go to the mission boards.
In 1894, both the Home Mission Board and the Foreign Mission Board (now known as NAMB and IMB, respectively) were in debt.
Armstrong rallied WMU to join with the SBC to wipe out the Foreign Mission Board’s debt, raising even more than asked.
Annie Armstrong had a profound and unprecedented impact on SBC missions — both in North America and around the world — that continues to resonate today in our collective Southern Baptist work and life.
As you give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, remember the legacy of this indomitable leader whose influence is still being felt today.
Sandy Wisdom-Martin
Executive director, National WMU
(Read more at tabonline.org/annies-influence.)
“Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.”
Watchman Nee
Chinese church leader and Christian teacher
“A proper Sabbath means we have a healthy rhythm of labor and rest,” said Scott Cormode, Hugh De Pree professor of leadership development at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, speaking at a seminar hosted by the Center for Congregational Resources of Samford University in Birmingham.
“I think the key is listening to people, that’s just so important — to listen to them first and earn that right to share with them,” said Beth Gardner, campus minister at Metro Mobile Baptist Campus Ministries.
“In times of war, the people who suffer most are vulnerable people, especially vulnerable children. It’s something we are highlighting with the administration,” said Chelsea Sobolik, director of public policy at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
“When churches are not prepared, everyone loses, especially the survivor of the abuse who may not feel heard, seen, safe or that the abuse is addressed appropriately,” said Rod Campbell, Pathways Professional Counseling.
“Celebration is essential to the character of Christ and central to His mission. … It’s absolutely central to why He came and essential to His character. We don’t often think of Jesus in the center of our joy,” said Nicole Zasowski, marriage and family therapist and author of “What If It’s Wonderful? Release Your Fears, Choose Joy, and Find the Courage to Celebrate.”
“There is a sense of helplessness. But we’re not a hopeless people. … I truly believe that as Scripture tells us in the Book of Hebrews, we can cling to [our] unwavering hope, despite some of the challenges we see in our world,” said Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, a Christian advocacy group whose mission is to help end world hunger.
Since sin destroyed relationships in the beginning, it is still destroying relationships today.
Morris Murray Jr.
Jasper, Ala.
From the Twitterverse
@GaryFenton07
As a Christian if you are not encouraging your fellow believers, you are missing the most important duty of your calling and you are probably discouraged.
@packratpastor
Small church pastors, your work is not small.
@jenniferwilkin
Parents, before we can tell our child to love others as their neighbor we must view and treat *them* as *our neighbor*. Fully human, albeit still growing and maturing.
Deserving of respect. Never to be treated contemptuously in thought, word or deed. Bearing the image of God.
@DavidCCrowther
A man gave his life to Christ this morning @ibcwichita & the only reason he was at church to begin with is because his neighbor told him he would cut his grass if he would come to church with him. #whosyourone
@mhenslee
Over the past few days, I’ve celebrated with a pastor, dreamed with a pastor … and more. Ministry is awesome! It’s exciting! It’s hard at times too. It’s a joy to be a pastor and an indescribable privilege of walking with pastors through trials and triumphs.
@crisalley
I often encourage those in ministry to go as far in Christian education as they can.
These are days of discontinuous change. Culture poses problems and questions today unimagined just 20 years ago. These days require rigorous gospel-centered thought.
@kswhitfield
To deal with someone’s position and argument takes respect and it takes work.
@MattSmethurst
Holiness is not the way to Christ, but Christ is the way to holiness —Spurgeon
@shane_pruitt78
Completely overwhelmed by what God did on the @winterjamtour! @NAMB_SBC
439 cities
427,800+ salvation
421,000+ new dots added to the @whosyour1_ map
One church family using their God-given talents working together in unity to advance the gospel.
To God be the glory!
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