Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

How can we explain the spirit of happiness and joy to someone struggling emotionally, spiritually or psychologically? What guidance can we offer a person who has a broken spirit without diverting to pharmacological alternatives such as SSRI’s which are well known to increase depression and thoughts of suicide? In some cases, these drugs have been quite effective. In other areas, they have been devastating to those effected by the outcome. All too often this is the modern medical answer for social anxieties, depression, and mood disorders; ‘I’ll write you a prescription for that’.

To answer this question, we must give an accurate illustration of the spiritual significance of what is taking place on this planet, and how we all came to exist in this chaotic world. Understanding the true nature of our existence is the only real answer to permanently healing a broken spirit. Once we accept our true purpose in the light of creation, we will forever have hope in a better future and happiness even in the darkest of times.

Ultimately, the answer is multidimensional. We must understand that Satan is a very powerful angel who has chosen to use his power to manipulate the children of God. More importantly, we need to understand that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, and He has defeated Satan by overcoming the temptations of the flesh (Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13). This was all part of a pre-destined plan to sacrifice himself as an atonement for the sins of mankind. Once we understand the reality of how our Creator God entered into his own broken creation to literally die for us, we will finally understand the reality of how Satan no longer possesses the power to keep us under his spell. However, if we deny God’s life, love, and sacrifice, we need to also understand that Satan does still possess the ability to keep us looking down, feeling blue, discouraged, and unworthy of God’s love. Satan has deceived mankind into believing it is okay to deny God’s supernatural power while seeking pleasure in the things of the flesh, which will always and in every circumstance fail to make us happy.

Think about it. What happens to humans who deny the Heavenly Father while seeking the desires of the flesh? Why does the rich man never have enough money? Why does the collector never have enough stuff? Why does the adulterer never have enough sex? Why do drugs and alcohol never fill our internal vacancies? Why are the “beautiful people” and self-worshipers never truly satisfied as they age? Why must mankind choose hatred and war when love is so much easier to practice? Why does anger well up in the hearts of those who deny Christ’s teachings of love and forgiveness?

Why are people who love worldly things never satisfied?

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Who are the Poor in Spirit?

The Beatitudes are often quoted in Christianity. They are as wonderful to read as they are comforting to those who need a spiritual pick-me-up. But have you ever thought to understand their deeper significance or how much more there may be hidden under the cover of the English language?

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Think about this logically, putting aside any preconceived notions you may have. To uncover the original context of this passage we need to first discuss the two obvious conclusions the Christian world portrays in the various versions of the bible when referring to Matthew 5:3. The first view suggests the financially poor are blessed in spirit. The second view suggests those who are “poor in spirit” are blessed.

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Just what does it mean to say the “poor” are blessed in Spirit, or blessed are the “poor in spirit”? Whichever way we look at it, there is something about this passage that just doesn’t make any sense.

You see, the English language is a very unique and odd language. Much like how a garbage disposal has an odd smell. Many different types of food (languages) all minced together into tiny pieces before it is watered down.

This point bears repeating, again. When the 66 books of the bible were originally written, the English language did not yet exist. The bible was not written in English and common folk need to come to a hard realization of this fact. Being ignorant of the Holy Bible and its linguistic origins can easily lead to the masses being deceived, whether knowingly or unknowingly, by many modern preachers.

The translation oddity in Matthew 5:3 is very subtle. These types of subtle discrepancies as well as the more glaring questions in scripture are very important to point out. We need to ask questions and study the original languages if we do not understand something that is written. We should never be tricked into believing that asking questions about what is written in the bible is heresy. If we fail to study for ourselves, or we are told that questioning church doctrine is wrong, then we can and likely will be easily led astray.

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It is important to note when talking about biblical translation, it is not the bible that is flawed. Not at all. It is the English language and the way we interpret it with our modern vernacular which is flawed. Again, we must be willing to seek the truth and study the origins of these ancient writings. It takes a conscious effort on our part to divide the word of truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:15), as well as using some good-old-fashion common sense – a trait not common in many modern cultures.

People are hypnotically content in believing what they already know. This is not wise. The English language has convoluted the context of a deeper understanding all throughout the bible and its history. This example in Matthew 5 is no exception. Subtle, yes. But the bible often has much more to offer us than a “poor” word at a passing glance. Consider the definitions of the Greek words used in Matthew 5:3 closely.

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And much more.

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Thank you, and God bless.

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