Whether by neglect or for lack of financial resources, this structure is in need of attention. Its condition is not hopeless but needs someone to restore it. Likewise, when our emotional or spiritual needs are unmet, a state of poverty exists, and restoration is needed.
Jesus addressed spiritual poverty and its solution in his Sermon on the Mount with the startling statement; “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Forever restless and discontent, we constantly search for something to satisfy our hunger and thirst for security, meaning, and purpose. We attempt to fill that inner void with relationships, achievements, pleasures and “things.” Yet, even though we have the capacity for contentment, we do not have the ability or personal resources to sustain a satisfied spirit calmed by peace, joy, and hope. “Things” and goals and pleasure-seeking activities easily displace God and thereby impoverish our lives. We are by nature spiritually destitute without God, but we are not hopeless.
In a subsequent beatitude, Christ said that “ blessed are they who hunger and thrust after righteousness for they will be satisfied.” By definition that is the pursuit of God. The only eternal value we can hold onto is our relationship with Him, a relationship based on His love for us and our believing faith in His provision for our redemption through Christ. So, the blessedness of which Christ spoke is discovered by recognizing our redemptive need and living within the context of who God is and His intentions for our existence.
The “blessed” empty themselves of pride and celebrate God as the source of all that is right and good and recognize that His Kingdom’s treasures are unending: love with its mercy and grace; forgiveness with its gratitude and joy; salvation from shame, guilt and condemnation, restoration with new meaning and purpose; the empowering presence of Christ now; and the complete confidence of ultimately being with God.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit” for they know it and seek God’s righteousness and restoration. They are rich with the treasures of heaven.”
Sweet Words from Maine 