The first Beatitude

What does it really mean to be “poor in spirit”? This phrase has nothing to do with finances or status. It means that you become conscious of your own spiritual emptiness; that without God, you are nothing, you have nothing, and you can do nothing of consequence or eternal benefit. To be poor in spirit means you know that all of your self-righteousness is as filthy rags and all of your self-propelled achievements are short-term and fleeting at best (see Isaiah 64:6). To be poor in spirit means that you know you need God. Why would this cause you to be “blessed”? Because you are open to receiving God’s free gift of salvation and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life. You are willing to humble yourself and pray: “Lord Jesus, I need You. I accept You as my Saviour. I want to yield my life to Your will and do things Your way to the glory of Your name.” If you are poor in spirit, you are willing to declare yourself spiritually bankrupt. And in so doing, you lay down your pride of spirit, your pride of will, your pride of intellect, and your pride of heart at the feet of Jesus. If you are poor in spirit, you open yourself to God’s saving mercy and grace. Consequently, you are able to enter God’s kingdom and enjoy all of its benefits and its blessings. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” means you can sincerely pray, “Lord, I acknowledge my total dependence on You.”