Being poor in spirit is being aware of our absolute and total dependence on God rather than depending absolutely on our own wealth, successes, or self. As stated in our textbook, Your Life in Christ, from page 126, "poor in spirit" relates to the biblical term known as the anawim, which is the Hebrew name of the poor, the meek, and the powerless, who depend on God for all their needs. According to the text, "anawim realize their helplessness and total dependence on God... [and] they find happiness in using their talents, intelligence, and possessions to satisfy the needs of others" (pg 126). By removing ourselves from pride, we create room in our hearts for God's grace to reign supreme.
- Contemporary Figure : Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa lived the state of being poor in spirit admirably. She willingly adopted an extremely poor life, owning only a few sari dresses so that she could entirely rely on God, thereby identifying herself with the poorest among those whom she helped. She had once stated, “To be poor in spirit means that we are totally dependent on God, that we look to Him for everything.” This shows how she dedicated her whole life to the truth that spirituality is the real essence of richness.
- Personal Application:
A high school student may engage in spiritual poverty by resisting materialism. This can be done by not trying too hard to have the latest phone or designer clothing just to impress others, but rather putting all that effort into appreciating what one has and giving away old clothes to a charity home.
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