Humility and Meekness Doe Not Equal Weakness

In review of Matthew 5:5 it says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (NIV).

Today’s verse comes from Matthew 5:3-10, where Jesus teaches us the Beatitudes. In verse 5 He tells us that God blesses those who are humble and meek, for they will inherit the whole earth.

The core of the Beatitudes is that God's way of living usually contradicts the world's. If I want to live for God, I must be ready to say and do what seems strange. And by giving up my own rights in order to serve others, I will one day receive everything God has in store for me.

In the Kingdom of Heaven, wealth, power and authority are unimportant. A Kingdom person will seek different blessings and benefits, and ultimately have a different attitude and outlook on life.

So, If I want to make healthy choices to be well and whole again, I’ll have to learn to be meek. Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (NIV).

The Bible lists many benefits of meekness: The meek will be satisfied (Psalm 22:26); God will guide (Psalm 25:9); will become wise (Proverbs 11:2); they will be filled with fresh joy (Isaiah 29:19).

There are many, many other benefits. The problem is, we misunderstand this term. We don’t really know what meekness is. In fact, we often confuse it with another term that sounds like it — “meek” sounds like “weak.” Nobody wants to be weak, so nobody wants to be meek.

But the truth is that meekness and weakness are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Meekness is in no way weakness. In fact, the Greek word for meekness literally means “strength under control.” To be meek is not to be weak. It’s used to describe a wild stallion that has been tamed. That stallion still has all the strength it had when it was wild, but now its strength is under control. It is strength bottled up for the master’s use. God doesn’t want you to be weak, but he does want you to be meek. The Bible teaches that it’s one of the keys to stress reduction in your life.

Here’s a simple definition of the word meek: Let go, and let God. That is the essence of meekness. It is surrendering, submitting, and agreeing to what God wants to do in your life. It’s letting God be God in your life. Let go, and let God.

I probably isn’t any better phrase that will do more for my health physically or emotionally than this. If I’ll begin to practice it in my life, it will relieve stress and eliminate worry. If I’ll let go and let God, it will defuse anger and end my hurt and resentment.

Bottom Line:

Blessing come to those who are meek and humble.

What this means to me:

I need to maintain control of myself (power under control), and have humility as a key characteristics of who I am. God will bless me for this.

In summary, God will bless me when I am humble and meek (use my power under his control.) Meek is not weak. I need to be ready to say and do what's opposite for the world. I give up my rights in order to serve others. I need to "Let go, and let God".

In the last week or two I have had several situations of failure and selecting the wrong priorities at work. Myself and my team have been suffering from the tyranny of the urgent. In this last few weeks I have learned some new perspectives that are re-adjusting my values. I need to let my desires/actions be filtered by the new perspectives and values to arrive at a different behavior pattern. I need to re-consider the important items (big rocks), set aside time to do them regardless of the urgent (small pebbles/rocks.) This morning Father I pray for your wisdom and guidance in evaluating my work tasks and priorities. I ask Father that you guide me in working with my team and others. Also as opportunities come up, I will trust that your will for me will be done. I pray that you help me as I work toward being authentic and do things that reflect you and your glory. In your Son Jesus name, Amen!

Meekness Is Not The Same As Weakness

In review of Matthew 5:5 it says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”

Bottom Line:

Blessed are the meek, for they will receive what God has promised.

What this means to me:

I will be blessed for being meek and humble. I will receive what God has promised.

Today's passage comes from Matthew 5 where Jesus is teaching about the beatitudes. Jesus tells us that God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, those who are meek and humble, those who hunger and thirst for justice, those who are merciful, whose hearts are pure, those who work for peace and those who are persecuted for doing right.

In order to make healthy choices I need to have to learn and practice being meek. Matthew 5:5 says, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (NIV).

Scripture lists many benefits of meekness: The meek will be satisfied (Psalm 22:26); God will guide them (Psalm 25:9); they will become wise (Proverbs 11:2); they will be filled with fresh joy (Isaiah 29:19).

However, the term “meek” is not really understood. In fact it is often confused with another term that sounds like it; “meek” sounds like “weak.” Nobody wants to be weak, so nobody wants to be meek.

What I have learned is that meekness and weakness are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Meekness is in no way weakness. In fact, the Greek word for meekness literally means “strength under control.” To be meek is not to be weak. It’s used to describe a wild stallion that has been tamed. That stallion still has all the strength it had when it was wild, but now its strength is under control. It is strength bottled up for the master’s use. God doesn’t want me to be weak, but he does want me to be meek. The Bible teaches that it’s one of the keys to stress reduction in your life.

Here’s a simple definition of the word meek: Let go, and let God. That is the essence of meekness. It is surrendering, submitting, and agreeing to what God wants to do in your life. It’s letting God be God in your life. Let go, and let God.

If I can begin to practice it, I’m sure it will relieve stress and eliminate worry. If I’ll let go and let God, it will defuse anger and end any hurt and resentment.

Today I will consider what areas of life I need to surrender so that God can take control.

Gentleness Can Calm Conflict

In review of Proverbs 15:1 it says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Bottom Line:

A gentle answer deflects anger, whereas harsh words will stir them up.

What this means to me:

A gentle answer on my part can help deflect anger or soothe angry feelings. Any harsh words on my part will likely stir up anger and cause quarrels.

I think our natural tendencies are to mimic the emotions of those we interact with. For instance, if somebody gets angry with me, I tend to get angry back. If somebody is really depressed and I end up hanging around them long enough, I end up getting depressed.

In the same way, when someone raises their voice against me, I usually raise my voice back. Then they raise their voice higher. Then I raise mine even higher. Before I know it, it’s escalated, and our emotions are out of control.

This verse reminds me that, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV).

What I need to learn is to do is instead of mirroring when someone raises their voice to me, I instead lower mine in response. That would be exercising meekness, or using strength under control.  Gentleness on my part will defuses conflict and de-escalates anger.

Also someone rips into you, I need to realize that it may have nothing to do with me. So instead of getting defensive, practice gentleness. Let my gentle answer disarm the other person and diffuse the situation.

In summary,  gentle answer on my part can help deflect anger or soothe angry feelings. Any harsh words or response on my part will likely stir up anger and cause quarrels. This morning I thank you God for the reminder to be gentle in my response to others. Harshness on my part only escalates conflict and does not reflect a spirit of love. I need to remember to respond with calmness and gentleness always. I should strive to be more of a peace maker than one who stirs up anger. I should think about and consider how I’m representing God with my life. I’m likely best Christian someone else knows and I want to represent him well to others. He deserves my best.