The Working Poor or Helpless

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:3 NIV

Honestly, I've always struggled with this verse. I've had a hard time getting my mind around the phrase "poor in spirit". I've tended to look at it as "poor self-esteem", or "thinking lowly of one's self". The later is still worthy of consideration. Humility and a right attitude or right perspective toward God does involve how we view ourselves, but that does not mean we are worthless. Unworthy is accurate. Worthless is not.

I think the better question to ask is this, "How desperate is your spiritual condition"? Are you a poor beggar that standing on the corner asking for a spiritual handout? Or can you handle it on your own? Are you totally desperate for a spiritual rescue, or are you working your way through it.

The Greek word used for poor in this verse (Matthew 5:3) is the poor helpless desperate beggar, as opposed to the working poor. Which phrase best describes you? Which thought leads to the blessedness, the complete fulfillment?