Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus paints a picture of the citizens of heaven. Jesus described them as being poor in spirit. In the Greek language there are two primary words for the poor. The word in this passage is the stronger word describing abject poverty and one who is utterly destitute. The poor in spirit recognize their true condition and this is the opposite of being rich in pride. Those who are poor in spirit understand their spiritual poverty and absolute dependence upon God. Jesus came to replace our spiritual poverty with His spiritual riches.

The beatitudes are some of the best known, but also some of the least understood, and consequently the least applied teachings of Jesus. The beatitudes are a picture of the person who has fully surrendered to God. Have you fully surrendered your life to God?