Blessed be the Poor

And he lifted up his eyes to his disciples and said, “Blessed are the poor, because yours is the kingdom of God.
~Luke 6:20, LEB ~

Life is an exercise in how to solve problems and overcome challenges that each one of us face. The question is not whether we may encounter problems; the real question is how we may choose to address them. Most of the time, we know what may need to be done so that we are able to solve those issues that come up. Sometimes we are slow in responding to the challenges and finding appropriate solutions. More so when we know what needs to be done is addressing something that is quite difficult or uncomfortable. So, we postpone addressing the issues for today and hopefully tomorrow may bring better solutions.

This is most likely due to the fact that we were more likely to look outward than inward for solutions to problems. Yet, our Savior teaches us that the key to inherit the Kingdom of God is humility. And because this is the key (and foundational virtue of all Christian virtues and character) we are unlocking the necessary change needed to transform ourselves over to His image and likeness.

Humility helps us come to terms with ourselves, our relationships with others, and the direction our life has been going. It is this key that unlocks the possibilities and opportunities to shift our perspective in understanding and knowing what life is like when we place our lives over to the care of our Heavenly Father. Humility sets the foundation to cultivate faith whereby we have the confidence and assurance in God’s promises and blessings afforded to us.

Living a mindful and crucified Christian life means we are to bring ourselves to a place of contrition and humility. Psalm 34:6 reminds us that each one of us are the poor man calling out to Christ. And because we are calling out to Him, He hears us and works through each one of us to bring us through those troubles we face. And it is only when we are willing to do that which is right. And that means we are to face those things that are difficult. Face those things that are uncomfortable. Sometimes it means for us to face those things that have caused much pain, suffering, and sorrow. Because, either we confront those issues today – or we shall inevitably face them down the road.

Thus, the foundational element, and principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for living a mindful, crucified, Christian life is faith. Faith in our Heavenly Father. Faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, and faith in the promises of living our lives according to His will and desire. If we truly place our lives in His care, our faith is rewarded in ways that we scarcely comprehend. However, if we seek to rely solely upon our own resources, dependent upon others to meet our needs, or seek out worldly wisdom and direction in addressing our challenges – we may find ourselves outside the boundaries of God’s commandments. We inevitably reap a bitter harvest and not a fruitful harvest enduring faith promises.

Do you truly desire to experience the abundant life promised to you? Trust Him today and everyday as you grow in faith. Maintain daily spiritual disciplines. Knowing you are secure and assured of placing your hope and trust in the Savior.

Because. living a mindful crucified Christian life takes work on our part to cultivate our faith in God. It takes work on our part to face those challenges with confidence and assurance of hope in overcoming them. It takes work to cultivate genuine faith in order to move past the pain, suffering, and sorrow of our past. And our faith only grows in proportion, as well as benefits us, to exactly the degree that we cultivate it.

This is what the Apostle Paul most likely meant when he admonished that we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). What does it mean to work out our salvation with fear and trembling? It means to faithfully cultivate and build upon our faith through established spiritual disciplines. Apply the principles of the Gospel to everyday living. It means to share with others in a way that ministers and edifies them.

Today’s Thought and Reminder

What does it mean to be poor? How is one blessed for being poor? How do we inherit the Kingdom of God? It all comes down to our willingness to experience humility. To be full of contrition, broken heart, and to truly come unto Christ and seek His will and desire for our own lives. Being humble means we are denying ourselves where we were proud, arrogant, and excessively self-centered.

It means we have come to a place in our own personal lives where we realize how destitute our lives had become. Realizing that Christ spoke more to our spiritual condition. Being poor, spiritually destitute, means we are coming to Him fully dependent on His care and ability to meet all our needs. And it is because of this spiritual poverty that we realize our true inheritance – the Kingdom of God.

Please Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section

Do you find these daily devotions helpful and inspiring? I’d love to hear your thoughts and receive feedback. What do you find helpful in today’s devotional? How does this help encourage you to live a mindful, crucified Christian life? What does it mean for you to come unto Christ and follow Him today?

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