Day 6 – The Poverty of the Cross

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 5:3)

“And Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven.'” (Matthew 19:23)

“And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which made a penny.  And He called His disciples to Him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.  For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'” (Mark 12:42-44)

Being “poor in spirit” is not talking about physical riches or material possessions.  As we all know, there are plenty of people that would be described as poor who are not spiritually inclined at all.  Also, there are those who are materially rich, but they are true ambassadors of the Gospel of the Kingdom.  Throughout the Scriptures spiritual poverty is not measured by the amount of your possessions but by how we view them.  Your wealth or lack of it does not determine your personal preparation for the Kingdom.  However, as Jesus said above, our wealth and overabundance in every area of our lives can make things difficult.

Our material possessions tend to consume our time and energy.  That is why, many times, becoming “poor in spirit” begins with simplifying our lives…a voluntary sacrifice…a cleaning out…a stepping back from the clutter that has become our lives.  Spiritual poverty is a matter of perspective.  All that we have is the Lord’s, whether rich or poor, like the widow.  To be “poor in spirit” is to lay it all  on the altar for His glory.  To be willing to give it all up…hold nothing back…emptying ourselves…becoming nothing for His sake.  This is spiritual poverty.  Only then will we be ready for the Kingdom of God.

So, to begin simplifying your life, you need to evaluate your perspective of the “things” that you have.  Is it all available to God?  It is all His anyway and we must hold it loosely.  Kingdom minded people are generous people.

How about your time…your schedule?  Is it all available to God?  He has ordained each day and has created you to bring glory to His name.  Jesus said He came that you might have life abundantly (John 10:10).  Kingdom minded people live life to the fullest!