Wholly His

Week 44, Monday

Dorothy Patterson

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

Matthew 5:3 (nkjv)

Poverty of possessions does not necessarily produce a woman who is humble or “poor in spirit.” Mrs. H. L. Hunt, whose husband was a rich and powerful man, depended upon the Lord as have few other women. She certainly had an abundance of worldly possessions—priceless art, valuable antiques, and a picturesque estate. She generously undergirded ministries through her inspiring stewardship and generous philanthropic giving. She was a gracious hostess to friends and neighbors as well as acquaintances and strangers.

All that Ruth gave and did for others is not what most endeared her to me; rather, I saw a life marked by humility as she presented her spiritual needs to the Lord. We wept together and prayed together. When I visited her on the bed of affliction, she never failed to pray for me. She loved me and enjoyed my fellowship—whether as the wife of an insignificant struggling Bible institute president or as the wife of the president of a large international seminary. I shared simple joys and sorrows with her and she with me. Ruth in her humility exemplified the godly trait of being “poor in spirit.”

In the Beatitudes, the character traits of a Christian are first described in general terms (see Matthew 5:3-10) and then measured by the world’s reaction to those traits (see Matthew 5:11-12). The description, which is both negative and positive, includes certain things that happen to an individual because she is that kind of Christian. Every one of these statements contradicts the existing standards of the world. At first glance the principles seem mild and negative; but in actuality they are revolutionary and positive. As such, they are the only hope for the world then or now.

A woman who has a heart for God begins with her own humility, reaffirming continually her passion for the Lord. Holiness is, in fact, the desire to be wholly His! You become a servant who seeks no life of her own. You must be willing to exchange His life for your own. In this humble abandonment of your own desires, the Lord not only lives within your heart but does His work through the acts of your daily life (see Proverbs 3:5-6).

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your example of humble obedience. Draw me to Yourself that I might be more wholly Yours! Amen.