Spiritual Poverty – Part 1

All over the world poverty is a huge topical discussion, and whilst we need to address poverty in every form, I believe we have left out the most important poverty to ever face mankind – spiritual poverty/bankruptcy. Nations come up with several poverty programmes to alleviate suffering, which is good, however, the one programme which will change humanity forever is spiritual enlightenment. With all the programmes of poverty developed by international organizations, what has become of it? I don’t think much because we still see the dearth and suffering in society. Listen to what the Bible says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge.” Read Hosea 4:6 (ESV). Can you see this? The people of God are completely put out of the way or clueless because they do not know or refuse to constantly have an accurate understanding of God’s ways and who they are in Christ.

Watch this, without spirituality in our society, the world will continue to be spiritually bankrupt, however, you and I are that “light and salt.” Read Matthew 5:14. Spirituality will come through you and me being able to “shine brighter and brighter” until there is so much light such that we cannot be ignored. As the people of God, we must take a definite stand for the Lord; regardless of what others do or don’t do, we are in a strong position to demonstrate spiritual leadership. Joshua in the bible decided and made a firm commitment to God, and was determined to set an example of living by that decision.

I recently came across some stats from the “United Nations Development Programme – UNDP and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative – OPHI; and they have come up with a Multidimensional Poverty Index – MPI which says 23% of people (1.3 billion) are identified as multidimensionally poor.” I assume they looked at several factors to be able to come up with such indices. The root cause of world poverty stems from a lack of spiritual fervour or appetite!

Trying to end poverty by a certain timeline or Century or by any human standard is futile. Well, why is this so Ricky? Look at what the Bible says, “For through the Son everything was created, both in the heavenly realm and on the earth, all that is seen and all that is unseen. Every seat of power, realm of government, principality, and authority—it was all created through Him and for His purpose.” Read Colossians 1:16 (TPT). Can you see this? Everything starts first with HIM – the Lord, and upon HIM, every other initiative to address poverty should begin with HIM.

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us wisdom and insight. Thank You, for You ‘put You in remembrance of Your Word.’ Therefore, I declare that “we have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” Read 1 John 2:20 (NIV).

We write. You read. Be encouraged.