"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3).
Posted : 12 Nov, 2011 04:45 AM
Above all spiritual conditions, cultivate�most industriously, prayerfully, earnestly, and fervently�poverty of spirit. Do not rest short of it. This is the legitimate fruit and the only safe evidence of your union to Christ and the indwelling of the Spirit in your heart.
Nothing can suffice for it. Splendid talent, versatile gifts, profound erudition, gorgeous eloquence, and even extensive usefulness, are wretched substitutes for poverty of spirit. They may dazzle the eye. They may please the ear. They may delight the taste. And they may awaken the applause of man. But, dissociated from humiliation of mind, God sees no glory in them. What does he say? "But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is poor and contrite in spirit and trembles at my Word" (Isa. 66:2).
We may think highly of gifts, but let us learn their comparative value and true place from the words of our Lord, spoken in reference to John: "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he" (Matt. 11:11). Behold the true position that Christ assigns to distinction of office, of place, and of gifts�subordinate to lowliness of spirit. This is their proper rank; and he who elevates them above profound self-abasement, deep lowliness of spirit, sins against God, impeaches his wisdom, and denies the truth of his Word.
But how shall we adequately describe this blessed state? How shall we draw the portrait of the man who is "poor and contrite in spirit"?
Look at him as he appears in his own apprehension and judgment�"the foremost of sinners" (1 Tim. 1:15), "the very least of all saints" (Eph. 3:8), "though I am nothing" (2 Cor. 12:11)�prostrate where others exalt him; condemning where others approve him; censuring where others applaud him; humbling himself where others have put upon him the greatest honor; confessing in secret and in the dust before God, the flaws, the imperfections, and the sins of those things which have dazzled the eyes of many.
Look at him in the place he assumes among others�taking the low position; in honor preferring others; washing the disciples' feet; willing to serve, rather than be served; rejoicing in the distinction, the promotion, the gifts, the usefulness, and the honor put upon his fellow-saints; and ready himself to go up higher at his Master's bidding.
Look at him under the hand of God�meek, patient, resigned, humbled, drinking the cup, blessing the hand that has smitten, justifying the wisdom, the love, and the gentleness which mark the discipline, and eager to learn the holy lessons it is sent to teach.
Look at him before the cross�reposing all his gifts, attainments, and honors at its foot, and glorying only in the exhibition it presents of a holy God pardoning sin by the death of his Son, and as the hallowed instrument by which he becomes crucified to the world, and the world to him.
