Matthew 5:3 says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
The introduction of the Sermon on the Mount is a challenge to every Christian about practical Christ-like living. Jesus chooses to address the root of all sin in His first sermonic statement. With power and eloquence, Christ lifted His voice in this first public address and said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Here the Son of God takes an opportunity to attack the very thing that draws all men away from God. In other places of the word of God, this sin is called PRIDE.
It was PRIDE that turned Satan against God, that pushed Eve toward the fruit, that pointed Lot toward Sodom, that urged Moses to smite the rock, and that led Saul to disobedience. It will be the sin of Pride that will lead us to live without God and His word in our lives. Please know that God will resist our pride every time.
Christ said we will be blessed when we are poor or emptied of ourselves. There is no way to be filled with God’s spirit if we are full of ourselves. May God empty us so that He can fill us!
God, I surrender my pride to you today. I confess my pride and pray for humility. Oh God, empty me of myself and fill me with thyself. Amen.
Rev. Scott Coghill
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