Matthew 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Bible reflects a special bias towards the poor and the helpless. We aren’t only commanded to protect and help them though… we’re also commanded to take lessons from them. Scripture teaches us that a “poor spirit” is something that Jesus blesses. Those who are poor in spirit, regardless of our worldly wealth, are promised the kingdom of Heaven. This is reflected in Isaiah 57:15 where God proclaims, “I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with a contrite and lowly spirit in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and the heart of the contrite.”
Jesus teaches that it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. Matthew 13:44 compares the kingdom of heaven is to a costly treasure. It is worth selling all you have to obtain it. Jesus modeled this by taking on human flesh and ultimately giving it up in a painful death on the cross for you and for me. Likewise, we are now commanded to daily “pick up our cross and follow Him.” This is essential of conditioning a poor spirit.
The kingdom of heaven is to be enjoyed on a daily basis. The ultimate price has been paid and Jesus now asks, “Are you willing to let go of everything that hinders our relationship? Is your spirit willing to sell everything it has in order to enjoy daily fellowship with me?” I pray that your answer is yes.