Poor in Spirit
What is the spirit in man? The spirit in human beings can be interpreted in many ways because it is universal and nobody can see or touch it, like the wind. Viewed through man’s eyes, it is based on the flesh or in a material way with an economic component but God has a contrary opinion about the poor in spirit. Many could say that it is a paradoxical opinion to say “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 ESV) God is never wrong and His inspired word isn’t a paradox.
Our times are characterized by the economy and is very important, and in a developed country as USA, for example, science grows every second, communications are instantaneous and the new generations become dependent on and addicted to the digital world, but the truth is controversial because the spirit in our world is going down to spiritual bankruptcy. Humanity has been falling into spiritual poverty and becoming evil, violent, corrupted and selfish in its material conquests. Humanity believes that it is self-sufficient but is moving away from God, believing that it doesn’t need Him. This is the spiritual reality that is flooding our society, including believers in some aspects.
The main problem is rooted in a very simple truth that comes from the Word and we could interpret it this way. We are full of ourselves. The Word of God can’t fill us up. Meanwhile we become empty while we should become more full of the precious teachings of Christ. The opposite will happen if we are full of pride and love for material things, because the beatitudes and virtues that are taught will be hidden, and blessings or deep joys will be absent. We are not conscious that the room of the mundane spirit is occupied by only vain things, and the Holy Spirit is waiting, because He isn’t able to produce in us the good fruits until we leave those worldly things. Until that moment, we aren’t able to feel the presence of Our Lord because it is absolutely necessary to leave selfishness and look for the grace of God.
Our spiritual poverty describes us as insignificant beings, poor, guilty of sins, fully ashamed, and humiliated. When we believe in God, everything will be transformed in sure consolation because in our poverty, the Spirit of God will give the renovating breath that heals our hurts. Jesus Christ is all that we need to begin a new life. He will give us everlasting life and salvation for our souls. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you, by his poverty, might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV) “Those who abound in faith will abound in other graces and good works also” Matthew Henry
Because we are poor in spirit we can appreciate salvation and be comforted because we have been blessed.
May God bless you.
