Almost every aspect of our culture fights against the idea of being "poor in spirit." Pride is a virtue in the story of the Amercian Dream. Commercial after commercial seeks to convince us that we will not be happy without their product. We praise people who succeed at all costs. But this is not the culture of the Kingdom of God.
When Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven," he is ushering in a new way of life. A life that lives and breathes humility.
James expresses the same idea in his letter that reflects many of the same teachings as the Sermon on the Mount. In James 4:4-6, he writes the following...
"You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"
How would living according to this way of life impact your life? Your family? Your school?
So often, Christians focus on our behavior. Maybe we're starting at the wrong place. Instead of making Christianity a religion about outward appearance, perhaps we should make Christianity a way of life emerging from inward attitudes.
That means to we need to consider what story we are a part of. Are we part of a story focused on how God will bless us or how we will bless others? Are we part of a story focused on doing the right things or being the right people?
Jesus invites us into his story, a story built on self-sacrifice and humility. It's not just something did; it's who he was. And if we are going to be his followers, our story needs to be a part of his story.
shine!
Jason
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