Blessed are the meek…for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5
What does it mean to be meek?
We sometimes have a hard time with that verse, don’t we? Meekness 101 is not a popular course in our universities, or even in our churches. We would much rather talk about the “most popular ways to get ahead”, than how to discover riches through meekness.
I won’t pretend to be an expert on the subject either or to take pride in being called meek, but I also can’t ignore the word of God. Blessed are the meek….for they shall inherit the earth!
Meekness might be defined as lowly, de-emphasizing of self and giving other’s recognition ahead of self recognition. Webster wasn’t far off when he said that meekness is showing patience and humility, gentle, easily imposed upon and submissive.
Wow, easily imposed upon, submissive……now those are the qualities we aspire to have in today’s society, aren’t they?
I wonder if the idea behind meekness might be what John the Baptist meant when he said, “I must decrease in order for Christ to increase”. Putting Christ first, other’s second, myself third. Meekness isn’t the same as weakness. We can be strong and yet meek. We can even be powerful and remain meek. Meekness is more of an attitude and a response to others than it is a position or status in life. Imagine the Savior Jesus, Creator of the world, strong enough to calm a raging storm, yet humble enough to wash His disciple’s feet…that’s meekness.
I realize that placing other’s interests ahead of my own may not appeal to our intellect, our schooling, or a “keen business sense”. It isn’t attractive to our culture. Meekness will require us to accept instruction and counsel from Him and from others, rather than always having the answers. It will force us to submit to authority and not to explode when others dare challenge our position or role.
Meekness may not meet the textbook definition (according to the world) of how we demand success in life, but meekness will put us into a right relationship with God, and into a bless able position with the Creator and Sustainer of life. The reward for meekness is an eternal inheritance that will outweigh all this world has to offer.
Are you blessed because of your meekness? Would others agree with your answer?
Most this day in age think of humility as weakness and I think meekness is even more so than humility. Tells you where humanity is these days.
Unfortunately, meekness considered as 'weakness' and 'timidity' by many in this world.
I agree.
Similar to David's definition, I have always liked "strength restrained."
Great post, Ron!
Thanks Chris
Many years ago my soon to be daughter in law said she deliked "meek" women……guess what….20 years later we still don't have a pleasant relationship…..she definately isn't the meek one though…..and that's why.
Good illustration. Sorry it's your story though. It must be difficult.
Great post Ron!
I preached a sermon on meekness once and discovered that the word is used to describe horses that are under the rider's control. So a definition of meekness could be "strength under control."
I love it!