In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus gives what is known as the Beatitudes. This list of spiritual qualities is important, because all Christians should be able to find these traits in themselves, if they wish to go to Heaven one day. In this article, I will be taking a brief look at the first trait listed in the Beatitudes, “poor in spirit.”
Matthew 5:3 says “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” When we look at the term, “poor in spirit,” we see that the word “poor” comes from the Greek word “ptōchos” (πτωχός) which means “lowly.” To be lowly in spirit would mean that you would have to not esteem yourself better than another, and to keep a humble mindset.
So many people in the world today think themselves better than others. Some may think that they have certain physical or personality traits, or intellectual capabilities that set them apart and above others. Others may consider themselves better than their peers because of some worldly possessions they have. No matter why one person may consider himself or herself as “better” than another, these thoughts come from a lack of humility, and as Jesus says in Matthew 5:3, the humble and lowly will have the kingdom of heaven. Those who are not humble, are prideful, and Jesus speaks against pride as one of the three types of sins that exist in the world. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16).
A lack of humility is a problem that many face today, even Christians. If those who have an issue with pride do not change, they will not see the kingdom of heaven as Matthew 5:3 states. We, as Christians, should always keep ourselves in check, so that we do not have prideful thoughts or actions that can keep us out of Heaven. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:5). We are to let others praise us, rather than we praising ourselves. “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2). Finally, we should always remember that we are not worthy of Heaven, and we are only saved by the grace of God, which we partake of through faith and obedience.
Matthew 5:3 says “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” When we look at the term, “poor in spirit,” we see that the word “poor” comes from the Greek word “ptōchos” (πτωχός) which means “lowly.” To be lowly in spirit would mean that you would have to not esteem yourself better than another, and to keep a humble mindset.
So many people in the world today think themselves better than others. Some may think that they have certain physical or personality traits, or intellectual capabilities that set them apart and above others. Others may consider themselves better than their peers because of some worldly possessions they have. No matter why one person may consider himself or herself as “better” than another, these thoughts come from a lack of humility, and as Jesus says in Matthew 5:3, the humble and lowly will have the kingdom of heaven. Those who are not humble, are prideful, and Jesus speaks against pride as one of the three types of sins that exist in the world. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (I John 2:16).
A lack of humility is a problem that many face today, even Christians. If those who have an issue with pride do not change, they will not see the kingdom of heaven as Matthew 5:3 states. We, as Christians, should always keep ourselves in check, so that we do not have prideful thoughts or actions that can keep us out of Heaven. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” (II Corinthians 10:5). We are to let others praise us, rather than we praising ourselves. “Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2). Finally, we should always remember that we are not worthy of Heaven, and we are only saved by the grace of God, which we partake of through faith and obedience.
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