Being Poor

With the current downturn of the economy, many of us are worried about our job security. There are imminent layoffs occurring in many companies, as well as in my company. Therefore I cannot help but wonder if my job also will be cut. I wonder what I will do if and when I am given a “pink slip.” In this trying time, God could be gently testing us, by asking us, “in whom and where do you place your faith?” Do we place our faith in our money, our jobs, or even our talents? In difficult times, I find that we are reminded of the futility of life and the need to place our hope in things higher than things of this world.
The first Beatitude taught by Jesus to His disciples on the mountainside is, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The lack of material things may or may not be a blessing. However, Christ teaches us that being poor in spirit can be a blessing. What is “poor in spirit”? To me, that is when we realize that we are in need of God. Only when we recognize our need for Him will we then search for Him, and have a desire to walk with Him. Being poor in spirit is recognizing that we cannot be happy with only collecting material things, but our spiritual life needs also to be well nurtured and well fed. We need to search the Word of God in order to be filled. Getting to know God as our personal Savior is the way we gain the kingdom of heaven.
Financial analysts predict that the economy may not turn around for several years; however, we know that God has promised us that He will provide for our needs. Apostle Paul wrote, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). We may not get what we want, but He has promised that our needs will be met. If you feel “poor in spirit,” do not despair because you have an opportunity to seek God with all your heart. Eternal life in heaven is more valuable than any material thing we can possess on this earth. Let us keep our focus and not get sidetracked.
Minh Pham Merideth