Understanding The BeatitudesНамуна

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

The “poor in spirit” are those who cast themselves on God's grace. It is the tax collector in the temple, beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” (Luke 18:9-14). It is an honest confession that we are sinful and in desperate need of God. Jesus is declaring that it is a blessing to recognize our need for God’s grace. Blessed are those who realize they are spiritually bankrupt, for this realization turns them to God, without whom they cannot fulfill what they are created to do and be. 

What might this blessing look like in the workplace? 

If we are poor in spirit, we are able to bring an honest appraisal of ourselves to our work. We don't inflate our résumé or boast about our position. We know how difficult it is to work with people who cannot learn, grow, or accept correction because they are trying to maintain an inflated image of themselves. So we commit ourselves to honesty about ourselves. We remember that even Jesus, when he started working with wood, must have needed guidance and instruction. At the same time, we acknowledge that only with God at work within us can we put Jesus’ teachings into practice on the job. 

In the fallen world, poverty of spirit may seem to be a hindrance to success and advancement. Often this is an illusion. Who is likely to be more successful in the long run? A leader who says, “Fear not, I can handle anything, just do as I say,” or a leader who says, “Together, we can do it, but everyone will have to perform better than ever before.” According to Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't, Jim Collins’ research shows that a humble leader is the first characteristic mark of companies that achieve sustained greatness. Of course, many workplaces remain stuck in the old kingdom of self-promotion and inflated self-appraisal. In these situations, the poor in spirit are all the more a blessing to those around them.

Reflection

How are you in need of God’s help today?

Prayer

God, be merciful to me, a sinner. I acknowledge my need for You. Help me to have the type of humility that holds a true appraisal of myself.