(The following was originally published at CareyGreen.com.)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 5:3)
“Poor in spirit” and “business success” don’t seem to fit together
But Jesus said that the poor in spirit would actually be blessed.
Granted, that’s not necessarily financial or physical blessing that He’s promising, but at the very least we can say that you’ll be better off in the end if you’re blessed, than if you are not.
And being “poor in spirit” is the way to receive that blessing.
In today’s business world, there are tons of books and podcasts out there that I categorize as “Rah, rah” resources.
They’re all about pumping us up, encouraging us to believe that…
- We have greatness inside
- We are able to accomplish anything
- We are the ones who can make anything and everything happen in our businesses
- and other assorted nonsense.
Why do I call them nonsense?
Because we know… WE BELIEVERS know that the truth is that nothing we have is about us. It’s all about God.
- He’s given the blessing
- He’s given the skills
- He’s created our creativity
- He’s made Himself our greatest resource
- And anything we have is because of Him
That’s where being “poor in spirit” comes into play
1 Peter 5:6-7 tells us –
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
“Poor in spirit” is a description of humility… and is the way we are to walk before our LORD and our God (Micah 6:8).
It’s an attitude that gives Him honor for the generosity He has shown and depends on Him for every bit of forward motion.
So how do we apply that in a business world where we’re vying for attention and dollars at every turn?
Maybe the thoughts I share in this video will help… it was shared in the Christians in Business community I run on Google Plus. You’re welcome to join us there if you’d like.