What does the word “poor” mean to you? You might define it as not having much or living below the poverty line. As a country, Americans are taught to gain wealth and accumulate “stuff” – it’s become the standard by which we judge. If we see someone get out of a Lexus in a suit and tie, we’re likely to give them some kind of subconscious respect. Likewise, if we see a man with messy hair walking down the street holding a sign asking for a few bucks, we often look down on him. And it’s nothing new. It’s been going on for a long, long time. And it’s not an American thing. It happens everywhere. It’s no wonder that James dedicates half of a chapter to this problem in his letter (James 2:1-13).
We place value on people with things. I remember when I read “The Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne (good book!). There’s a part where he said something along the lines of: “We have magazines that list the 100 richest people in the world, but nowhere is there a list of the 100 poorest.” It struck me as odd that he would think of that, but as I finished the book it dawned on me: we aren’t doing enough for people in need. Another part of the book told of a survey taken by self-proclaimed “strong followers of Jesus.” When asked if Jesus spent time with the poor, 80% responded “YES.” When asked if they spent time with the poor, only 2% responded “YES.” Claiborne noted that it’s easy for us as Christians to worship Jesus, but not so easy for us to actually follow Jesus. I would have to agree and also confess that I have not followed Jesus to the extent that He is calling us to follow him (Matt. 16:24).
When Christ calls us to follow Him, He is not calling us to a life of comfortability or a clean, easy, safe life. Is it wrong to have things? Of course not. But when things become more important than serving/loving God and others, we need to check ourselves. I have a few friends who live downtown in the Square who would be considered “poor” by worldly means. Many of them have only the clothes on their backs and the bag in their hands. Low and behold, as I complain about my TV signal going out, Sonny’s BBQ closing at 9:30, or the cost of gas going up a few cents (all things which I’m blessed to afford), my “homies” constantly remind me of how blessed they are. ”God has given me this beautiful day,” or “God blessed me with a great meal today.” Talk about a reality check! Troy, Mike, Fenton, Donnie, Chris, and Ernie are always telling me how God is providing for them throughout the week. They are blessed even though they don’t possess much in this world. Many of us from the Maricamp Road Church have been blessed to befriend them, share life with them, and worship with them. They’ve inspired me on a personal level to be thankful and grateful for every blessing God gives me (and not just the earthly ones).
Speaking of blessings, one of the first sermons that Jesus gave centered around being blessed – The Beatitudes. The title comes from the Greek word “beatus” which translates as blessed. All 8 “blessings” start off with another Greek word, “makarios,” which means happy. These opening verses of Matthew 5 follow a simple formula: a blessing and a promise. Isn’t it interesting that in the first of these 8 Scriptures, Jesus says “Blessed (or happy) are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3).” Poor in spirit?? What does that mean?? I used to just skim over this passage without really searching for the awesome message behind it. Being poor in spirit means that you are at the end of your rope, spiritually speaking. It’s saying, “God, I don’t have it all together, and I never will until I give You my whole life and commit to You alone.” It’s a very vulnerable feeling to be poor in spirit. In my opinion and interpretation of the Beatitudes, it’s the building block to get to the next one (being able to mourn your past sins)…..I think they all build off each other like stepping stones to getting connected with God (v. 3-6) and each other (v. 7-10).
Being poor in spirit is not a very popular concept in the American church today. We like to come to church to worship, learn about our relationships with God and each other, take communion, pray, and fellowship. In my experiences, many of us put on our “masks”, telling everyone around us that “I’m ok! Things are fine.” And most of the time, that’s not the case at all. We put up this front that makes us look “spritually rich.” You might remember another group of religious people in the NT that did this same sort of thing. They followed the law to the letter. They were at church whenever the doors were open. They prayed, worshipped, learned, fellowshipped, and did everything right……well almost everything. They didn’t understand that God wanted a relationship with them. Understand me when I say that they were “religious.” Now, I don’t know where we get this idea that we have to come to church and act like life is fine. I can tell you that it’s not the case with me all the time. Things happen, life happens. And if there was ever a place where we should be free to take off the masks and get real, it HAS to be the church. We as a community of believers exist to bring others into a relationship with God. To be open. Honest. Vulnerable. A community of people who aren’t afraid to bear each others burdens, no matter how messy they can be. A group who realizes that the “Mess”-iah came to clean up all the “messes” on this side of eternity.
Being poor in spirit might even be uncomfortable. People might look down on you. They might judge you and make you feel like you aren’t good enough. It’s not right of them, but it just might happen anyways. But take it from the One who said it, you are blessed if you are poor in spirit. Just like my “homies” in the Square, you might even find yourself feeling freed by the lack of “stuff” that you’ve given to God for Him to handle. Blessed by the fact that God gave it all so that He could find you. The mask can come off now.
Listen to the words of the Master: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest of your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” He wants to take everything from you that is holding you back from giving Him your all. He desires intimacy and openness with you. When we learn that God’s in the business of saving people who don’t have all their ducks in a row, it makes it that much easier to approach Him. I’m proud to say that I’m bankrupt in that regard. I can’t do it by myself. I don’t have all my stuff straight. I would be clinging on for dear life without Him.
As we chase the American Dream of accumulating wealth and nice things, could it be possible that this dream might be a misguided nightmare in the makings? May we never forget what true happiness is all about. It’s as if Jesus is saying, “You will be happy and blessed when you understand that you absolutely need me. You will be happy when you can take off your mask, be real with Me, and let the power of my blood make you whole.”
This week, make it a point to search yourself and do what you need to do to get real with God. Maybe being poor isn’t such a bad thing…..
Be blessed,
Beef