POOR IN SPIRIT

Blessed are the poor in Spirit” - Matt 5:3

The world renowned evangelist and Christian apologist Dr. Francis Schaeffer was frequently asked, “Tell me about your spirituality! What do you do?”

He refused to answer the question, but chose to reply, “My spirituality is poor”.

With his position, how could he get away with telling people he had poor spirituality?! I don’t know.

But I think he was using Jesus’ measuring stick.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in Spirit”.

What might than mean? Partly, it would suggest that....

·   it is okay to struggle with hypocrisy when claiming to follow Jesus

·   it is okay to be half hearted and sporadic with the spiritual disciplines

·  it is okay to not measure up on someone’s spiritual spectrum of holiness

·  it is okay to see the risen Lord and still doubt

·  it is okay to admit your need

But it is more than that. Your awareness of emptiness makes room for him and his coming kingdom. In being “poor in Spirit” you are powerfully blessed!

This is a dependable law. The spiritually broke tax collector “stood at a distance” and “would not even look up to heaven” (Lk 18:13). Yet Jesus said he “went home justified before God”(v.14).

As a chaplain I am afraid of breaking this law. In my department we are often approached to give supports for people struggling in different areas on their spiritual journeys. I wonder if we give the impression that we must set a standard that is not the one that Jesus uses here. I am afraid we might confuse people with our “ways to pray” and “ways to read”, so my prayer is:

“God grant us the grace to not inadvertently give people some laughable and absurd spiritual measuring stick. Use us so that we might make room for people who are standing at a distance.”

Those who are empty make room for God...and neighbour.