Studying the Orthodox commandments, people come across thoughts that are not quite clear to modern man . What does “blessed are the poor in spirit”? These words can now cause dissonance. After all, we are proved from all sources of information that development is necessary for success. People are being encouraged not only to acquire professional skills, but also to spiritual growth. And this means nurturing the willpower, aspiration, perseverance, and so on. And then "blessed are the poor in spirit." How to understand this expression, what is it talking about? Let's get it right.
Let's take a look at the beggars
Maybe this is not the most pleasant occupation, but you have to delve into the psychology of the poor. The first commandment says: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." How so? According to Jesus, to people who in this life have nothing, do not create, do not produce, the gates of paradise are open. It seems that there is a certain contradiction, but only for the modern, influenced by human society. Jesus looked at the beggar differently. Anyone who is, so to speak, at the bottom, has no ambition. He is ready to accept any help if only she would be offered. This person does not have the pride inherent in an ordinary person. He is not afraid of losses. He has only life. This person considers himself so insignificant that he does not judge others. He lives by simple interests. Today, eating bread and water is good. Thanks God for this. And if there is nothing, then it will wait until help comes from kind people. A beggar does not exalt himself, does not try to rise above society. This person is not aware of the usual worries about property damage or problems at work. His soul is free from burdensome property troubles and worries.
About spirituality
Have you thought about the direction in which our society is developing? If in past centuries people considered wealth mainly material wealth, now talents have become more expensive. One who knows how to generate knowledge, transfer it to others, is thriving. Jesus also told them: “Blessed are the poor in spirit ...” This phrase is intended so that a genius does not value his abilities above communication with the Lord. Our skills are capital, they inspire us from childhood. There is nothing wrong with this if you do not use them to the detriment of others. After all, the Lord grants abilities so that his children can perfect the earth, develop this space. It is important not to be proud of the fact that you know how and have more than others. Sin is contempt for those who are deprived of talent. This applies to all abilities, including spiritual ones. There are people with incredible wisdom who can lead others. They have to constantly struggle with the temptation of pride. To be able to maintain faith in the Lord is what “blessed are the poor in spirit”. We must constantly remember: there is nothing more valuable than unity with the Almighty. Feeling it in yourself is the fulfillment of the covenants. And he who, along with the Lord, is protected from temptations, including pride.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit”: interpretation
Christianity considers humility to be the main virtue. It consists in the fact that a person relies only on the Lord. He is not trying to give him something, make or offer. There is no place for bargaining in these respects. The Christian relies on the goodness of God, trusts him completely and unconditionally. His soul is pure and sincere. There is not a shadow of doubt in her. Humble wisdom is the ability to receive everything from the world. For these gifts come from the hands of the Lord. If something bad happened, you should thank the Almighty and not grumble. So now you do not deserve more. And of course, you need to say “thank you” for every little thing you get in life. After all, any person has more good than bad. We are so used to these gifts that we ceased to notice them. And this is pride, sin. When you ask yourself how to understand "blessed are the poor in spirit," try to focus on the joy that you receive on earth. Like this? Let's give an example.
What good is there in our life?
Take the average person living in the Russian-speaking world. What does he get almost every day? Say, some problems and troubles, multiplied by the negative spread by the media? And we will try to find what you probably no longer appreciate:
- air to be allowed to live;
- supporting and helping parents;
- food and shelter;
- work, if there is a desire to work;
- source of knowledge, if necessary;
- health;
- friends support;
- smiles of loved ones;
- the opportunity to have children.
Believe me, you can list indefinitely. But do people really appreciate these gifts? They consider them natural. And what does this lead to?
Consequences of ingratitude
We will not argue for too long. Here are a few chains that demonstrate the logic, think up the rest yourself:
- One who has a shelter and income is afraid of losing it. He is afraid of robbers, wars, economic crises and more.
- A healthy person with hostility thinks about possible ailments.
- Having parents, family, friends, fears treason and death.
- He who works and realizes his talents is afraid of losing a place or a chance.
This list can also be continued indefinitely. We took as an example only the most ordinary things. Just the next time you think about what “blessed are the poor in spirit,” remember the gifts of the Lord. There are people who are unlucky. They do not have either health, or talent, or a peaceful sky above their heads. Do they all grumble?
What is the most valuable thing in life?
Perhaps the subheading question is naive. Everyone has their own values. This is true and false at the same time. There are universal values. They are quite difficult to refute completely. Believers believe that the most important thing is to stay with the Lord. Believe me, many tried to prove the opposite. It turned out until the trouble happened. And only after experiencing grief, did the person realize that the support of the Almighty is the most important thing that he has. Indeed, no one will tear this force out of the soul. It does not depend on rulers or the media, the opinions of friends and enemies. This is a fact that can be rejected or accepted, but not to dispute its existence. So, “blessed beggars in spirit” is a commandment about love of God? Priests consider, rather, a reminder. This is a short parable about the integrity of the world and its frailty at the same time.
Does this truth need modern man?
It is proposed to recall humility again. This is real wisdom, allowing you to look at yourself from the outside, to really appreciate the shortcomings and advantages. And once you understand what your value is, you know how to choose the right field for the application of forces. In addition, a person who evaluates himself adequately does not experience communication problems, loves and receives reciprocity. He is happy! And you say that you need to strive for success at all costs. Always remember that blessed are the poor in spirit, that is, people who love their Creator above all else. They have much less fear and conflict in their hearts. There is someone to lean on. And he will never betray, will not betray, will not manipulate or deceive. He is the essence of the soul of man.
Conclusion
If you understand the frailty of the material goods and intellectual values ​​granted to you, then you live easier and more natural. Try to forget about fears generated by pride for at least one day. This little experiment will bring you back to childhood. Do not believe it, but babies are almost the only category of people who truly understand the phrase being studied. They have no worries, they fully trust their parents, seeing the Lord in them. Remembered?