Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Self-Reliance versus Poor in Spirit

I was looking at Matthew 5:3 this morning: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  What does it mean to be poor in spirit but to have a sense of utter dependency on God?  The poor in spirit are those who do not think themselves sufficient but know they need God.

Then I was contrasting this principle with the American value of self-reliance.  "If you want it done, do it yourself."  Is it possible to be a "doer" who at the same time gives God credit for the increase?  It's so hard not to take the credit yourself when you have worked to bring about results and they have come!

But can we be authentically assertive for God's mission because we are dependent on him?  Can we be meek toward ourselves, yet pushy for the kingdom and its values?

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