It Starts Small

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Happiness is meekness. This term is often misunderstood by the world we live in. Dictionary.com defines meek as: quiet and gentle. The bible describes being meek through the exemplary life of Jesus. Meekness can easily be better described as gentleness. It is a humble attitude that expresses itself in the patient endurance of offenses.

The original Hebrew translation describes a horse under control. I had an amazing experience to watch over horses on the property I was staying at. One afternoon I took the resident dog out for a walk. He was always very curious of the horses. We always walked down to the trough to make sure they had water. one day in particular, as I was walking down to the trough, this dog decided to get them running. I could hear the horses footsteps behind me and I froze in fear. I was half afraid to turn around and see them coming at me. All three flew by me with that dumb dog at their heels. I called his name just in time for him to look back at me and not get kicked in the head by the gelding bucking.

Horses are like freight trains. They outweigh us by a substantial amount and anything in their way can easily be run over. I admire people who can connect with horses and train them. All that power and might brought under control. The horses is still full of power and might but submits to the authority of the rider. They restrain their power. This is the picture of being meeked. It was the old fashioned term for breaking horses.

World View of Meekness

The world views meekness as weakness. There is a stark difference between the world view and God’s word. The world says a weak person can’t do anything, God’s word says a meek person can indeed do something but chooses not to. Gentleness always uses it’s resources, appropriately, unlike the out of control emotions humanity uses that are destructive.

The world views pride as a vanity. Pride says the strong, beautiful, powerful, intelligent, and privilege have got it together. The problem is all these use what they have to step on others to move themselves forward. This is celebrated in our culture. The world does not celebrate meekness. It celebrates assertiveness. It celebrates people who take advantage of others to get whatever is needed to get ahead. The world is driven by payback. But God’s Word says the opposite.

³⁹ But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰ And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. ⁴¹ And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. ⁴² Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. ⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:39-44

The world idolizes the entertainment industry which does not have meekness. When did you last watch a movie that had a hero have something awful happen and they chose to not pay it back? You’ll never see this movie because that wouldn’t be exciting or entertaining. Sports stars are glamorized as greatness and the only path to fortune and power is by being famous.

Being meek is the least glamorized character on earth. The greatest man to walk this earth was meek.

²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29

When we follow Christ, we demonstrate meekness as the fruit of the Spirit. Don’t equate meekness as cowardice, lack of conviction, or mere niceness. It is a virtue that draws on courage, strength and conviction and a good disposition from God. Meekness is the complete opposite of selfishness and pride.

Examples of Meekness

Sadly, we only understand the world in terms of power. He that has the power has the people. There will always be someone in higher authority over us. When Jesus was preaching at the Sermon on the Mount, the Israelites were under great persecution. Rome has spread out across the land and through power and military might control all the people. Jesus spoke directly to the people and said, be the opposite of those who control you. Meekness is the courage to let God deal with injustice.

¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. ²⁰ Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. ²¹ Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:19-21

Can you imagine hearing these words. The self restraint they had to practice?

Another example of meekness is Moses. Moses’ older siblings decided to attempt an overthrowing of Moses as leader. (Numbers 12) Apparently Moses had married a woman that they were upset over. They stood before all of Israel, calling Moses out for his choices. Moses remained still and said nothing. He didn’t get angry and try to defend himself. He didn’t lash back at them. Instead he knew that God would have the final word.

God had the final word. He smote his sister with leapersy. God defended Moses with a mighty show of force. Moses wasn’t smug or gloating that God had dealt with his siblings in this way. In fact, Moses comes to God and begs for God’s mercy. He cried out to God, please heal her.

 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. Numbers 12:13

Our ultimate example of meekness is Christ.

²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: ²³ Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 1 Peter 2:21-23

Jesus always used meekness, gentleness, when defending the glory and honor of God. Jesus didn’t lash back when criticized, slandered, or treated unjustly. He responded fittingly and firmly when God’s honor was profaned or truth was perverted and neglected. He fearlessly denounced the pharisees and their hypocritical teachings.

Jesus submitted to the will of his Father and endured horrific abuse and the murderous intentions of the Jewish leaders. He didn’t grandstand. He stood silent which astounded not only the people witness to his absurd trial, but even Pilot.

¹¹ And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. ¹² And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. ¹³ Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? ¹⁴ And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Matthew 27:11-14

Jesus knew the will of His Father. Meekness is seeing two choices: lash out and complain or rejoice and praise in prayer. Meekness invites God’s blessings in our lives. Meekness brings peace and joy into our lives. It surrenders our control and power to God. Joy and peace bring true happiness. Joy and peace from meekness brings contentment and confidence. We can be assured God is alive and watching everything going on in our lives. He sees injustice and will deal with that injustice when we hand it over to him.

¹⁹ Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Romans 12:19

We don’t have to seek payback or revenge! That is God’s duty. We need to repay evil with the love, grace, and mercy the Spirit fills us with.