Imagine

1/30/2021

Matthew 5:3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

This morning, my husband and I read the Sermon on the Mount in its entirety after having read portions of it over the past several weeks. We had many wonderful discussions and were extremely inspired by these words of Jesus. I must admit, the part about being "poor in spirit" has always confused me. I had read about the meaning, but never really made a connection to the depth of it until today. My husband read a commentary (which is in his Bible) about this powerful section of scripture, and it all just unfolded in my spirit. The writer said that being poor in spirit is the beginning, and all the other Beatitudes build from this yielding of self to Christ; it is about coming to the end of oneself. After that revelation, I experienced those verses as I never had before. It was so clear to me now that dying to self is critical to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Self-centeredness and self-interests cannot reside with Christ-centeredness and Christ-interestedness in my life. 

This is SO counterintuitive to who we are as human beings, both in the natural way - self-preservation - and in the societal way - self-assertiveness and self-reliance. We are, by nature, self-absorbed creatures, but when Christ enters our lives, He should take the place of prominence. He should be first. In John 3:30, these words of profound truth are spoken: "He must increase, but I must decrease. (ESV)" If this is not true in my life, I am bound to get in the way of what Jesus can do through me. My focus on myself and not Him does not diminish His power, of course, but I can certainly be more easily swayed to not listen. If my focus is off of the One Who enables me to do all things through Him; I am more apt to feel incapable of accomplishing His will, or fearful of possible judgement from others. Once I stop looking inward, and concentrate on looking to my Savior, He will make me able and give me strength to accomplish anything for Him. These are things I do not have to do, no should I try to do, by myself. Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (KJV)" 

Can you even imagine what could happen if every believer's fervent prayer was to be decreased and have Christ increase in us? Can you imagine being so unconcerned with the trappings of this world that they became an insignificant part of the past? Can you just see the power of God's Word being shared like never before with love, mercy, and grace all over the world because of our global connectedness through the might and provision of the Holy Spirit? Can you imagine how the evil one would lose his power over so many that do not know the peace and saving grace of Jesus? Can you imagine if we all acted with the love of Jesus toward others, and allowed the Holy Spirit to crush any form of judgement out of our souls? I can only imagine.