High Value of the Low Estate

Jesus looked at his disciples and said, "Happy are you poor; the Kingdom of God is yours! Happy are you who are hungry now; you will be filled! Happy are you who weep now; you will laugh! Happy are you when people hate you, reject you, insult you, and say that you are evil, all because of the Son of Man! Be glad when that happens and dance for joy, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven. For their ancestors did the very same things to the prophets. But how terrible for you who are rich now; you have had your easy life! How terrible for you who are full now; you will go hungry! How terrible for you who laugh now; you will mourn and weep!” (Luke 6:20-25)

Lately great emphasis has been placed on the financial difficulties in the world. For the people whose life savings have been lost by the collapse of the stock market, the danger is that we will focus too much on money, riches, and wealth without thinking about true values in life.

The words of Jesus (above) remind us that true values are not measured by the size of our bank account or the financial legacy we may leave behind, but true values are in the measure of a man or woman in their relationship with God and one another; that being Humility.

The thrust here is not an appeal for us to give away everything we have, go on welfare, reduce our calorie intake by half, stop laughing, and encourage people to reject us. Jesus gives no such command in this passage.

Rather, he is telling us .. his followers .. to accept our low state, because if we are less concerned about our economic security, our social acceptability, and our reputation, we will be happier then if we are obsessed with these things.

The focus of this passage is not on world hunger or poverty .. although Jesus felt deeply the plight of the underprivileged .. but on the individual disciples and their value system.

For us who are disciples of Jesus, we need to appreciate our modest circumstances and place our value on the kingdom quality that is humility. The apostle Peter tells us in his first letter; “Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you. “ (1Peter 5:6-7)

I appreciate the fact that some of us are worried and concerned about the situation we face. The question is; what difference can you make in your situation?

If you can do something, then stop worrying, pray for wisdom and do it! If you cannot do something that will change your situation, then stop worrying and pray .. let the Lord care for you. Either way you will discover happiness.

Paul Weresch