Blessed are the....

Poor in spirit.... I have heard pastors, speakers, writers, etc. use this scripture to reference physical need. It has been used to challenge and exhort the Christian community to value the poor. It's been used to discourage the community from despising financial struggle, to find value in need. I think that the truth is we should value the poor and times of need. There are many scriptures that refer to this, but I don't think this is one of them... I looked up the phrase "poor in spirit". I got alot of interpretations but the ones that rang true weren't about physical need at all. Its the "in spirit" part that always threw me... Did it mean blessed are the depressed? Blessed are those that feel empty in spirit? That didn't seem right.... I dug a little deeper, searched in the amplified and came across the phrase "not self sufficient..." What does it mean to not be self sufficient? Dependent.... If I can't accomplish or supply is on my own effort, than I am depended on God to provide it.... I think the thing that is so interesting about this idea is that it defines a core value of Christianity and theology is grace by faith.... If the kingdom of heaven is promised to those who are dependent on God for their spiritual security, than it's likely to think they have figured out, there's just no way to earn it... We are no longer under the law for the purpose of attaining atonement through rituals, tradition, and effort. We are not responsible for our spirituality by finding inner peace, or creating fulfillment with our own ability, or even pure state of mind... This theology is in direct contrast to the modern message of society today. Control your own destiny.... Create object boards.... Throw out into the universe what you want and it will come back to you... Name it and Claim it.... Just call things that aren't as though they were.... Be independent, strong self sufficient. Don't let anybody hold you back, or keep you down. Don't take no for an answer. The interesting thing is that I think that the point of this small two lined scripture outlines an entirely different way of life.... When we realize that despite our best attempts, we are wholly relying and depending on Him, we are blessed, fulfilled, at peace, happy despite our circumstances, in the knowledge that we are protected, in relationship with our Father, reliant on Him and that have the promise of all eternity with him...