I have a friend who is a native Floridian. He told me once that, while growing up, his family almost lived on clams. He said they ate clam strips, clam soup, clam burgers, and clams every other way that could be thought of, until, as he said, he felt as if he was turning into a clam. Many have gone through difficult times financially in their lives and have had to give up some things or make do with a little less. The word Jesus used in this beatitude for poor goes far beyond the aforementioned difficulties. This word, translated "poor," carries the idea of total destitution. In other words, one is so poor as to be without a hope for survival on one's own or reduced to beggary in order to survive. Few of us have ever been that poor. However, Jesus taught that His kingdom is made up of individuals who are destitute . . . destitute in spirit. The destitute in spirit are those who realize their own helplessness. The destitute in spirit are those who realize that without the grace of God none would be saved. The destitute in spirit have the heart of the publican who cried, "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Matthew Henry wrote, "This poverty in spirit is put first among the Christian graces. The philosophers did not reckon humility among their morals values, but Christ puts it first . . . The foundation of all other graces is laid on humility. Those who would build high must begin low . . . . (emp. rlb)" Being poor in spirit enables us to lay everything at the feet of Christ realizing:

Without Him I could do nothing, Without Him I'd surely fail.
Without Him I would be drifting, Like a ship without a sail.

Without Him I would be dying, Without Him I'd be enslaved.
Without Him life would be hopeless, But with Jesus, thank God, I'm saved.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.