"Blessed are the poor in spirit — for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven." Matthew 5:3
This beatitude is not pronounced upon the poor in earthly condition; for one may be very poor — and yet very proud; or one may be rich in worldly goods — and yet be very humble in spirit.
Neither is it on the poor in mind; for mental poverty is not necessarily a state of blessedness — and ignorance is certainly not bliss, nor is it desirable.
It is the poor in spirit, in disposition — on whom this beatitude is pronounced. That is, the lowly in heart, the humble, those who are conscious of unworthiness. Humility is not thinking lowly of one's self, holding one's gifts or abilities as of no account. We are under obligation to recognize our talents — and make the fullest possible use of them. We are also to recognize our place and our privileges as God's redeemed children — no longer condemned sinners and servile slaves.
What, then, is humility? It is a spirit that bows reverently before God — and then holds its divinest gifts as not too good nor too fine to be used in Christ's name in the service of the lowliest of God's creatures.
The Bible everywhere speaks its praises of humility. Christ refers only once in the gospels to His own heart — and then it is this picture that we see: "I am meek and lowly in heart."
To be poor in spirit is to be rich toward God — while pride of heart is spiritual poverty.
Humility is 'the key' which opens the gate of prayer; while to the loud knocking of pride — there comes no answer. The proud Pharisee in his prayer found no blessing — but the humble publican went away with heart and hand full of heaven's divinest gifts!
Pride is the cold mountain peak — sterile and bleak.
Humility is the quiet valley — fertile and abounding in life, where peace dwells.
The kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are humble. They may wear no earthly crown — but a crown of glory, unseen by men, rests even here upon their heads!
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J.R. Miller (1840 - 1912)
Prolific author and pastor of Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois, Rev. James Russell Miller served the USCC as a field agent in the Army of the Potomac and Army of the Cumberland.J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia. J.R. Miller D.D.'s lasting fame is through his over 50 books. Many are still in publication.
James Russell Miller (March 20, 1840 - July 2, 1912) was a popular Christian author, Editorial Superintendent of the Presbyterian Board of Publication, and pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
In 1857, James entered Beaver Academy and in 1862 he progressed to Westminster College, Pennsylvania, which he graduated in June, 1862. Then in the autumn of that year he entered the theological seminary of the United Presbyterian Church at Allegheny, Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller resumed his interrupted studies at the Allegheny Theological Seminary in the fall of 1865 and completed them in the spring of 1867. That summer he accepted a call from the First United Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. He was ordained and installed on September 11, 1867.
J.R. Miller began contributing articles to religious papers while at Allegheny Seminary. This continued while he was at the First United, Bethany, and New Broadway churches. In 1875, Miller took over from Henry C. McCook, D.D. when the latter discontinued his weekly articles in The Presbyterian, which was published in Philadelphia.
Five years later, in 1880, Dr. Miller became assistant to the Editorial Secretary at the The Presbyterian Board of Publication, also in Philadelphia.