Before Jesus, and the coming of the Holy Spirit to the church, God showed His blessing by granting material prosperity (Genesis 24:34-35).  He also instructed His people to show kindness to the poor (Deuteronomy 15:11).  But Jesus gave no spiritual credit to rich people (Luke 18:22-24), and the apostles saw how money and possessions could easily become idols (1 Timothy 6:9-10).  It is the same today.

But not many in the Early Church were wealthy (1 Corinthians 1:26).  Indeed, Jesus had a special ministry to the poor.  Instead of giving them wealth He gave love, dignity, and courage.  They knew He truly valued them.  Indeed, He commended the poor widow above the wealthy religious leaders when she gave away everything she had (Mark 12:42-44).  The apostles were not well off or well respected in the community.  Paul’s catalogue of sufferings is representative of them all (2 Corinthians 6:4-10; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28).  So this teaching by Jesus was personal encouragement by which they would live and die, and a message for the church through the ages.  

Riches often get in the way of depending on God (Luke 6:24); the poor do not have that problem.  Of course, deprivation can bring bitterness to people who are in rebellion against God.  But those who look to the Lord will always find blessing (Psalm 34:6).  Jesus’ disciples had left everything to follow Him (Luke 5:11, 28) and they were first in His mind as He looked at them and placed this blessing at the top of His list.  He wanted them to know that although they had left financial security behind, they could trust Him in everything for the future (Mark 10:38-41). The goal of their faith was not earthly riches but the salvation of their souls (1 Peter 1:9).

When God pronounces a blessing, we can confidently expect that He will bring us into all the good He has set before us (Romans 8:28).  The poor with faith are genuinely happy; the rich without faith are empty.  That is not to say that poverty is good, it is hard.  But God’s blessing always comes when we trust in God's love and are content to depend on His provision (Philippians 4:11-12).  Likewise, while it is good to relieve poverty, if the gospel is not proclaimed and embraced, the new comforts can ensnare the soul.  So, the most important thing in life is to know that you are included in God's Kingdom.  See www.crosscheck.org.uk to know more.  Although many in the workplace seek greater wealth, your life and attitude should demonstrate that you trust that God truly values you, even if others do not (Colossians 3:22-24).