In Matthew 5:3, Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Someone who is poor in spirit answers to God. However, pride causes us to fail in this submission. Pride makes us think we are so important, and we worry about what others think of us.
We become poor in spirit by comparing ourselves only to Jesus (James 4:10); surrendering our "rights" to God (Romans 12:1); living to please God (Deuteronomy 10:20); and looking to him to fulfill every need (Psalm 123:2).
In 2 Samuel 7:18, King David cries out to God, ‘Just who am I that You would bring me this far?’
In Luke 5:8-10, Jesus’ presence overwhelms Peter, who cries, "Depart from me; I am a sinful man."
The great men of the Bible recognized their inability, but then allowed God to work through them.
Will you do the same?
The Rev. Albert Corey is Oak Ridge Assembly of God's pastor.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FROM THE PULPIT: Are you willing to be poor in spirit?