Paul writes (2 Cor 8.9); “For you know the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
(The references to wealth and poverty must be understood beyond financial wealth and poverty.)
Elsewhere we read that Christ made Himself nothing (Phil 2.7); but the command is that we, His followers, choose the same path; “your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” We are immeasurably grateful that He gave up the glories of Heaven to enter our world, giving His life that we might have life to the full. We also identify with Him, walking “as He walked” (1 John 2.6).
Paul comments; “poor, yet making many rich” (2 Cor 6.10). He describes his own ministry as an apostle of Jesus Christ. He endured discomfort so that those he served might enjoy comfort and encouragement. “So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well” (2 Cor 12.15). Here was the sacrificial commitment of a father for his children.
In his own poverty and comparative wealth (he endured both) Paul declared himself content (Phil 4.10-13). His contentment was in Christ, not a result of his financial well-being.
Paul’s experience cannot be described as a forced self-poverty, nor a form of masochism; but simply a genuine concern for others, putting them and their needs before his own.
We cannot merely admire the attitudes of Christ and of Paul from afar historically. The clear call is that followers of Jesus Christ have a concern for others. “Love one another.” “love your neighbour as yourself.” We give of our material wealth, and we give of ourselves to bless others. The way of the kingdom is that this makes many rich. In the economy of God, gifts are weighed not counted (the widow gave more “than all the others” in Mark 12.43). Giving with a genuine attitude to bless goes much further than the mere financial cost of the gift. And we can be part of the glorious plan of God to make many rich.