“Blessed are the poor in spirit, theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:3)
Many people today would describe themselves as spiritual-but-not-religious. Yet this can mean various things. Some might consider spiritual to mean they do not adhere to any faith, but do have a belief in God. For others, being spiritual means they are introspective or kind. To others, spiritual is a type of category.
Many teenagers might approach their faith in similar terms, too. They might have a faith that is less formal or not tied to a particular set of doctrines or beliefs. Or they might consider themselves to be spiritual people because they are searching for God, truth or answers.
Jesus talked a great deal about the Spirit (big “S” and little “s”). Those who are in leadership in the church give attention to the happiness that comes from realizing our own need. We do not have all of the answers. Often, we fail to live up to our highest aspirations of faith. We always stand in need of God’s grace.
This is what Jesus was talking about. Realizing our need, being poor in spirit, means we trust in God’s grace instead of our own strength. Leadership, in fact, is best lived out in an attitude of service to others. When we lead out of this spirit, we can rest assured that teenagers will learn that faith in God is more than just an intellectual ascent to doctrine or creed, but is a living hope. It is a marvelous discovery—realizing we don’t have all of the answers to life, ministry or to faith. Out of our poverty of spirit comes the greater strength of God. In that hope is where we are to live.
