Having a meeker, quieter spirit. Meekness is the eighth named Fruit of the Spirit
Jesus calls us to follow him. One of the attributes Jesus leads us into is that of Meekness, which is often misunderstood.
Meekness is not ‘weakness’, as some may think. It is strength under control.
Some liken it to fire within a wood stove, which has plenty of power but is used for the right purpose in the right manner, controlled. All it’s power is under control.
Jesus, at the time of his trial, could have called on ten thousand angels to immediately intervene and slay his persecutors. They did not realise how close they could have been to death. Similarly, people who push our buttons do not realise where our line in the sand is drawn before we retaliate. Then, as the saying goes, “all hell breaks loose”.
We have the power and often the right to retaliate, however, Christ has called us to overlook all our ‘button-pushing’ issues and respond in two manners, one following the other. Firstly, with righteousness. A righteousness view means we take a helicopter interpretation of our situation. We need to see both sides before we respond, which is a godly perspective. Most times, this changes our initial ‘instinct-ive’ response to a more considered one, perhaps salvaging a relationship before we damage it. There are many times in life where we are simply wrong.
Our goal is to keep a long-term vision, as only this model aligns with God.
Then, we respond in love, whatever the issue.
If we weren’t called to meekness, we would find ourselves praying against every person who ever did us wrong, and using the term ‘righteous anger’ to justify us.
Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek (I am powerful but choose not to be for the kingdom’s sake) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matt 11:29)
Jesus maintained his servant-hood to the end.
Jesus always kept God’s vision and plans in his mind when he spoke and acted. He made no earthly reputation for himself, but simply let the kingdom within him speak.
Phil 2:7 says that Jesus “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.”
He wasn’t interested in being called ‘great’ on this earth but chose to give all the credit to his Father, as should we. If anyone is to be meek on this earth, it should be the Christian, bound for the fiery punishment of death but saved by someone they have never met in person.
To the Father, Son and Holy Ghost we owe our ongoing lives, and they are all asking us to become meek. Pride stops us obeying.
Psalm 37:11 also talks about meekness, “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
This implies that if we do not submit to meekness, if we fight against it thinking we can still get through without it, we are not following the Christ we say we are, and the earth will not be ours; we will be found with the tares, it is that important. It also means we are riddled with disguised pride.
If you find it difficult, recall this verse, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil 4:13).
How is meekness played out in life?
1 Peter 3:9, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing”
Luke 6:27-29, “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also”.
Romans 12:21, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good”
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