Someone who is poor knows exactly what he is missing. He can specifically name all his needs. What about us? Do we recognize what we are lacking? Often, the awareness of our shortcomings is limited only to material things. If we ask ourselves what material goods we still need, then most of us can probably immediately come up with a long list. What is it like when it comes to spiritual things? What about our prayer? If we take a moment to think about it, we will realize that our focus is often on our own needs. How aware are we about our lack of Christ? Do we sense how much we lack the reality of Christ’s life in our daily lives? Do we see the need to live Christ more? In the book of Revelation, there is a church that is exhorted by Christ:
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17)
How often, for example, do we content ourselves with knowing the correct doctrine in the Scripture? Or with someone giving a sermon on a verse or topic? Maybe we are satisfied with being in the “right” church. Is that enough? God will not judge us by what we know about His Word or what “church” we go to. God’s question will be: Is Christ our life?
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17)
How often, for example, do we content ourselves with knowing the correct doctrine in the Scripture? Or with someone giving a sermon on a verse or topic? Maybe we are satisfied with being in the “right” church. Is that enough? God will not judge us by what we know about His Word or what “church” we go to. God’s question will be: Is Christ our life?
Recognizing Our Lack
What about our wishes and our thinking, for example? What is our heart attached to and what is it focused on? On the kingdom of God or on earthly things?
Are our thoughts focused on heavenly things? Do we think about how the kingdom of God can spread on this earth? Do we have a heart for the people whom the Lord Jesus still wants to save? Do we ask the Lord how we can spiritually care for and encourage other people? Or are our thoughts earthly, full of worries about earthly concerns such as studies, work, family, children or finding a husband or wife?
We also have a great lack in our speaking: What comes out of our mouth? Words of grace that are useful for the building up of the kingdom of God? Or is our speech useless? Do we build up through our speaking and bring God’s peace into our surroundings, or is our speaking empty and perhaps even cause strife and discord?
Preach the Gospel of the Kingdom
We are ambassadors for Christ and should exhort people to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20). But what does our gospel look like? Are we indifferent, do we fear people, do we make excuses to not have to speak the word? Or do we open our mouths when we are with our colleagues, acquaintances and friends? Do we warn people of eternal perdition in the lake of fire if they do not receive Christ? Do we speak the truth about lawlessness, immorality and sin in our society? Do we show them Christ as the Redeemer and Savior who will return very soon and bring His righteousness to this earth? Or do we remain silent even though we know all this?
The Word tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Do we? Do we pray in our daily lives for God’s kingdom to come to earth, unrighteousness to come to an end, and His righteousness to finally come to the earth? That the remnant would be gathered, that the church would be built and perfected? Do we stand with our brothers and sisters, our families, our colleagues, our contacts and fight for them in prayer so that they may be strengthened and the Lord may save them, build them up with us and perfect them?
Do we mourn (Matthew 5:4)? Do we sympathize with our fellow human beings so that they may be presented perfect before God and reach the end of their faith? How do we act when we see that someone has transgressed? Is our heart then full of criticism or do we bring this person before the Lord in prayer with a grieving heart and ask for grace for him?
We must acknowledge that our lack of the life of Jesus is still very great. And there are many more examples we could name – especially when we read Matthew 5-7.
Ask and It Will Be Given You
He who is poor has nothing of himself. But he can ask a rich man to give him what he needs. Jesus encourages us to ask the Father:
“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9)
It is good when we recognize that we lack the reality of Christ. But it should not lead us to give up or resign ourselves. Instead, it should cause us to seek God and ask Him to fill the void by writing His laws on our hearts. It is a good prayer to say, “Father, please give me a poor spirit.”
When we truly have the desire and intention to experience and live this, God the Father will very gladly listen to such a prayer. He is our Father! He will certainly answer our prayer. Sometimes, we may have to knock on His door a few times because He wants to see that we really mean it, that we really want to experience His Son Jesus Christ and live according to His constitution. Luke 11:13 says:
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
The Word of God does not promise us a life without difficulties. Rather, the Father wants to give us His Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who helps us enter into the reality of the Word of God, just as it is written in John 16:13:
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth”
