Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

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. Her question was: What does “poor in spirit†mean? I had an idea but confessed that I really wasn’t sure. I agreed to do a little research and report the next week. I was glad she asked since I had wondered about the answer myself.

I decided it might be worthwhile to share some of my takeaways. Perhaps you are more informed than I am, but then again, the explanation might be helpful or at least a good reminder. So what is this phrase “poor in spirit†about?

Some might suggest that 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 for us to be lacking. Quite the opposite. God desires for 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†(Matthew 5:3). The verse is the first of eight beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus gave insights into true righteousness and the blessings it brings. This righteousness Jesus described is an internal matter, one 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’s message was used as a teaching moment for His disciples and those listening in on the mountainside, but the powerful words are just as applicable today. They are for believers, not the unsaved.  

Who, What and Why?

We know what “poor†means but what about “poor in spirit?†Who are the poor in spirit? The “rich†tend to feel security in wealth. If that wealth is threatened, they may feel as if their earthly life could collapse. Not the poor in spirit. The poor in spirit understand they have absolutely nothing of worth to offer God. It doesn’t mean they are worthless and can’t do anything. No, 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 an 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.

Let’s do a little self-inventory. Here are some characteristics of being poor in spirit that I modified from Aksel Smith (Active Christianity).

• Does not exalt oneself and is not proud. May be considered insignificant by others but the poor in spirit rejoices in humiliation.
• Does not seek honor from men. Enjoys doing work behind closed doors.
• 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 so as not to be offensive to others.
• Willingly accepts his 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.

Humility, having a servant’s heart, and exhibiting dependence on God’s grace and provision summarize the characteristics of being poor in spirit. To be blessed with this quality should end with embracing the spiritual wealth we have inherited in Christ.