What Does it Mean to be Poor in Spirit (Especially in Politics)?
By Bunni Pounds
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…” (Matthew 5:3).
The only way to survive in politics and still LOVE Jesus is to be desperate for God - daily, weekly, moment by moment.
After fifteen years of working in this profession, I like to say that I am living proof that you can be in politics—the mud slinging profession, and still LOVE Jesus.
I say it and it gets laughs, but it really is not a laughing matter.
The only way for our hearts to survive and not be tarnished engaging in politics is to be intentionally combating the enemies of our soul - anger, pride, and fear - and to not let compromise and justifications enter our hearts.
We have to continually humble ourselves and draw near to GOD! It might take drastic measures of obedience to engage our hearts to keep our souls in a good place.
The slight turning can lead to destruction. It is subtle. It steals into your heart and then takes you out.
God has called us to something greater - DEPENDENCE! Dependence on Him!
To be “poor in spirit” is to realize our utter need for Him. It is a raw needling that keeps reminding us of our weakness and hunger for more of His goodness and completion. This is such a good thing and gift from God.
To cry out for humility and to be broken from all my pride, self sufficiency and natural wisdom that is devoid of God IS a gift!
It is easy for talented people to exist for days, weeks, and even months without God—operating in our strength, but that is NOT what God has called us to.
To inherit the Kingdom of heaven, we must come to Him as a child. We must be poor in Spirit.
Can we operate and live out the principles of the Sermon on the Mount as we navigate the political movements as Christians?
I believe the answer is YES but it is not within diligence to one thing - our HEARTS.
May the “Holy Spirit convict us of sin, righteousness and judgement” again afresh and anew today.
May we be “poor in Spirit” and inherit all He has for us in Himself.
May we live in a perpetual need of Jesus.
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