Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. – Jesus
What does it take to make a Christian? Oswald Chambers tackles this question in this little pamphlet. If we had to distill his message, I think this verse from Matthew might do so best. Being a Christian is not about sincerity, temperament, decisions, determination, or emotion. It is about a brokenness that finds healing in Jesus and a new Spirit that invades our lives. It is about humility and servitude – the taking on of the mind of Christ. It is about a sure foundation not of our own making.
Throughout this work, Chambers turns our thoughts to a way of poverty & depravity. He speaks of man reaching a “moral frontier of need” – that point of knowing we are powerless to realize the ideals we espouse. It is in emptiness that we are filled. It is in brokenness that we are made whole. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, we know freedom and truth.
The making of a Christian is in the breaking of a man.
Human sincerity will never stand the strain when the ideals that fascinate a man's mind come into contact with actual life. #MissionText
— Ua Vandercar (@UaMV) August 19, 2015
You cannot make a man see moral truth by persuading his intellect. 'The Spirit of truth shall guide you into all the truth.' #MissionText
— Ua Vandercar (@UaMV) August 19, 2015
Never yield to a power unless you know its character. #MissionText
— Ua Vandercar (@UaMV) August 19, 2015
| Reflect On | Matthew 5:3 |
|---|---|
| Praise God | that He is ever-creative. |
| Offer Thanks | that Jesus has swung wide the gates of the Kingdom and has shown us the way. |
| Confess | your selfish striving to “keep it all together” on your own. |
| Ask God | to break your heart for spiritual poverty into which we have all been born. |
| Comment: | How can being poor in spirit reshape one’s life? |
Other posts in this #MissionText series:
#MissionText • The Graciousness of Uncertainty • Now Is It Possible— • The Discipline of Divine Guidance • The Fighting Chance • The Message of Invincible Consolation • The Discipline of Loneliness • #MissionText: Considering Copyright • Thy Great Redemption • Talks on the Soul of a Christian • The Highest Good • Our Brilliant Heritage