Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount with a strange line:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Most of us hear that and think Jesus is talking about certain kinds of people — the meek ones, the pure ones, the merciful ones — like different personality groups who get different prizes.
But what if Jesus is actually describing a journey rather than a list of categories?
The Beatitudes aren’t about different types of people God likes better.
They’re steps into a new kind of life — life in God’s kingdom right here, right now.
And the very first step is this:
Admit that you need help.
That’s what “poor in spirit” means.
It doesn’t mean you have no money.
It doesn’t mean you’re spiritually amazing, either.
It means you recognize you don’t have it all together.
You can’t save yourself.
You don’t have endless emotional, spiritual, or practical resources.
You need something — Someone — bigger than you.
The barrier to entering God’s kingdom has never been wealth or poverty.
It’s the belief that we don’t need God — that we can do life on our own. And so often we cruise through life not even thinking about God or need until something hits us like a brick wall and then it’s like, “Oh my God – now I need you.”
That pride keeps us stuck.
But when we acknowledge our need, something powerful happens:
We become open.
We become receptive.
And that openness becomes the doorway into God’s kingdom — living into “heaven” – perfect peace and presence, right now.
Being “poor in spirit” isn’t about feeling defeated.
It’s about honesty.
It’s saying, “I can’t do this by myself.”
And here’s the beautiful part —
that honesty naturally leads to faithfulness.
When we recognize our need for God, we begin to move with God.
We take steps — imperfectly, yes — but steps that show trust:
Serving others. (Make some cookies or treats for the college kids this weekend and bring them on Sunday morning! WE NEED MORE! 🙂 We want their packages to be amazing!!!!! Don’t live in town? Use one of our giving portals and make a donation to missions and we will use it to contribute to the packages.
Choosing compassion.
Showing up even when we don’t feel prepared. Text a friend that you are thinking of them. Tell someone different than normal how much they mean to you. Invite a friend for coffee or lunch.
It’s not about earning anything.
It’s about responding to the One who already meets us with love.
So maybe today the invitation is simple:
Take one honest breath and say,
“God, I need help.”
Then take a small step of faithfulness —
Serve someone.
Offer kindness.
Give selflessly and generously from what you have.
Because life in God’s kingdom isn’t just something we believe —
It’s something we live.
Blessing doesn’t wait until we’re perfect.
Blessing begins the moment we admit our need
and step toward the God who is already stepping toward us.
If you are out and about, stop by Soul Creations tomorrow at the Citizen’s Center. We are on the bottom floor at the entrance. It’s the biggest event we have ever been a part of. We are anxious and excited. So – keep Soul in your prayers. Also – be thinking of how you can use Soul for Christmas gifts. We have such a broad product range now – it’s crazy! We will set up at West in two weeks, the Sunday BEFORE Thanksgiving!
See you Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Andrea