“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3
“To be poor in spirit, a man must be poor of all his own knowledge: not knowing anything, not God, nor creature nor himself. For this it is needful that a man should desire to know and understand nothing of the works of God. In this way a man can be poor of his own knowledge.”
Meister Eckhart (c. 1260-1328) in “Sermon Sixty-Two” in The Complete Mystical Works of Meister Eckhart, translated and edited by Maurice O’C. Walshe (New York: Crossroad, 1987) 423.
This post contains a profound paradox that is needful for all of us to grasp.
We must not try to figure God out. We must only trust Him. In so doing, His generosity of spirit replaces our poverty of spirit. We get the kingdom!
I have traveled halfway around the world to teach people about a God we cannot even begin to understand.
Someone said to me, “I am praying for the safety of the people you serve after you leave, Qingdao.” This is what those I will served have told me in advance.
“Gary, don’t worry about what will happen to us. Give thanks for what you will teach us. It will make what time God gives us more productive for the kingdom.” Pray with and for me that God will do His best work and convey living truth through me.
He wants to do it through you too. Surrender yourself in poverty of spirit. Watch His generosity work!