One of the single, most admired character traits is meekness. Everyone admires a person who has a meek disposition. The word meek means mild or gentle. Gentleness is an action while meekness is a state of being. It is an inner attitude that results in controlled reactions. It is strength of character and conduct. Meekness is the voluntary surrender of your will in favor of another. It is the mark of maturity.
The same Greek word translated meekness is used to describe a soothing medicine, a gentle breeze, and a wild horse that is broken. Medicine, wind, and a bucking bronco can create chaos, but their power under control describes meekness. Meekness is Jesus hanging on a cross saying, “Father, forgive them” when He could have destroyed them.
Matthew 5:5
“The meek shall inherit the earth.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Meekness is not weakness. It is incredible strength that can only be acquired through surrender. Meekness cannot be duplicated. It cannot hide behind a veneer. It is God’s opinion based on who we really are.
- Never value power above principles. Study the life of Moses who was considered the meekest man on earth in Numbers, 12:3. He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter in order to submit to God’s eternal purposes. Meekness is not exhibited in your position or the amount of authority you possess, but rather in the manner in which you submit to authority.
- Welcome instruction. Moses learned the hard way about power out of control when he lost his temper in the desert. It became a learning experience because he had a teachable spirit.
- Stand up for what you believe. Join the ranks of men and women like Abraham Lincoln, Martian Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Park who became a “Moses” of their day, refusing to bow to injustice.
“The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His ways.” Psalm 25:9
