Yesterday we briefly considered Jesus’ statement, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The word ptōchos in the Greek phrase ptōchoi tō pneumati describes one who is spiritually bankrupt apart from God, someone who has abandoned self-sufficiency in order to depend completely upon the Lord, and this is why Jesus calls them “blessed,” for the kingdom of heaven belongs not to the proud or self-reliant but to hearts surrendered to Him in trust and obedience. There’s one thing worse than being bankrupt and that’s not knowing that you are! Ignorance of the true state of things leads to bad decisions. Blessed are those who know that they are spiritually bankrupt. Only those who admit their need are in a position to receive help, and they that turn to God receive the only help that will meet their spiritual need: the free gift of eternal life.