Articles
Meekness
Meekness
One does not have to be told that there is a large misconception of meekness within our world today. The overwhelming majority perceives meekness as a blank check to approval or tolerance of those who are living outside the bounds of the Bible. These would also be the ones who do not consider meekness as a sign of strength but of weakness. For these reasons, we all should desire to better understand the meekness that is described throughout the Bible. The greatest starting point in understanding meekness is made by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the gentle (meek), for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). Our purpose is to better define the character of meekness, the role it plays within every Christian’s life, and explain the manner in which these will inherit the earth.
Let us consider the picture of a horse as an example of meekness. As one looks at a horse he is mesmerized by the sheer strength held within this large animal. The horse’s muscles protrude from under its skin to display an animal of raw brute strength, but once the bit is placed within its mouth and the horse is tamed to the rider’s demands, this raw strength becomes a perfect example of meekness. The horse shows meekness through its willingness to use its strength under the control of its rider. This is a similar picture that should be received from every Christian. We are given the freewill to live however desired, but upon answering the gospel call and putting on the yoke of Christ, a person is being tamed and has his strength under the control of the boundaries of the gospel (Matthew 11:28-30). This is not a sign of weakness or a loss of personal freedom, but rather an example of placing the kingdom of God before the fleshly desires of this earth (Matthew 6:33).
One misconception of meekness and the entire section of the beatitudes is that these characteristics are not demands of every Christian. We will hear people use the excuse that some people are born with a meekness type mentality, but as for me, “I am a man’s man.” Let us not underestimate ourselves concerning these traits being something that is just instinct for some people. Being “poor in spirit,” “mournful,” “merciful,” and “meek” are things that every citizen of the kingdom of heaven must constantly work on in their lives. The call of the beatitudes is for us to all realize our inadequacies and look to God and His word as the solution to make us whole. Is this not the solution given within the fifth characteristic, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” (Matthew 5:6a)?
The role of not only meekness but all the beatitudes should be a daily strive made within every one of our hearts. Another common misconception of meekness is weakness. Paul Earnhart stated, “The depth of meekness in a man may indeed be gauged in direct proportion to his ability to crush his adversaries” (Invitation to a Spiritual Revolution, Deward Publishers, 2009. 22). This statement highlights the greatest biblical example – Jesus. He is the Son of God who went to the cross as “a sheep that is silent before its shearers” (Matthew 3:17; Isaiah 53:7). He could have called twelve legions of angels to bring Him out of this world and destroy those who would have crucified Him, but He showed tremendous meekness for the sake of our salvation (Matthew 26:53). We ought to realize by His example that meekness is not a weakness. Our physical strength must be controlled at all times for the exaltation of the Father and the kingdom of heaven.
Another misconception of meekness as a weakness is the idea that it is a blank check for approval of evil things. We are to be growing godly attitudes and characteristics found within the Bible. We are never given the right of tolerance for evil things being done. “From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). Our meekness is not an excuse to not defend the truth against those who teach false doctrines. Moses is recorded as the meekest man from his generation, but this did not stop him from showing great anger toward all who had worshipped the golden calf at Mount Sinai (Numbers 12:3; Exodus 32:19). Another prime example of being meek but not allowing this to excuse wrong doings is Jesus and the cleansing of the Temple (John 2:14-16). These points are not made to say it is okay to become angry, but rather to prove the point that meekness does not excuse false teaching, but rather it reproves it righteously by the word of God.
Our final point is to gain better understanding to the meaning of the meek inheriting the earth. The meek inheriting the earth is not a literal giving of all the earth to those who are meek, but rather the giving of blessings. A meek person does not desire to gain the entire world physically, but to simply have the necessitates of life that enables his journey onward to heaven. He will acknowledge the Giver of all good things and be thankful for all the spiritual and physical blessings obtained through Christ (James 1:17; Ephesians 1:3). One should constantly pray to never be worried about things on this earth; one should focus on heaven.
The world may continue to drift from God’s truth, but this should not deter our faithfulness to God. We should always study the Bible making ourselves better by having a higher understanding of the will of God for our lives. The problem that remains with many kingdom citizens today is the failure to apply their study into their daily lives. Meekness is one attitude/characteristic that is sorely needed in our world today. How many fights could be stopped if people would simply display meekness and elect to solve their problems in a more righteous manner? Our prayer every day should be for us to be better Christians by the application of the traits contained within the beatitudes. We should all strive to make ourselves stronger in regard to all eight traits and never neglect one, because each will draw us ultimately closer in reunion with God. May God bless us with the time to cultivate these traits within our lives and influence others around us to do the same.
