12/29/2017
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Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. – Matthew 5:5
The dictionary defines meek as, “patient, mild mannered, not inclined to anger or resentment.” It lists as a
synonym the word humble. It is important to note that the dictionary does not list weak
as a synonym for meek. Although weakness
and meekness may look and sound similar, they are not the same.
Weakness is due to negative circumstances, such as lack of strength or
courage. Meekness,
however, is due to a person’s conscious choice. It is strength and
courage under control, coupled with kindness.
That principle is found in the original Greek word for meek,
“praus,” which was originally used in one special sense. It described a
beast that
has been tamed. A horse that was once wild but has become obedient
to the bit and to the bridle is “praus.” Herein lays the secret to the
meaning of
“praus.” There is gentleness in “praus,” but behind the gentleness
there is great strength. Indeed, the supreme characteristic of the one
who is meek
is that he or she is under perfect control—not spineless or passive.
Meekness is strength under control.
Scripture give us examples
of individuals exhibiting meekness. Numbers 12:3 states that “Moses was
very meek, above all the men which were upon the face
of the earth.” He was a powerful and impressive leader. Moses was
meek because his strength was controlled by a higher purpose—that of
God’s
will. If we look at 2 Corinthians 10:1-2, we can see that Paul, too,
was meek. “Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness of Christ, who
in presence
am base [meek, humble] among you, but being absent am bold toward
you.” The supreme example is, of course, Jesus, who submitted Himself to
the Father’s
will and lived the perfect humble life among men.
Jesus also admonishes us
to exercise self-control and submission to God. Consider Luke 6:29, “And
unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also
the other; and him that taken away thy cloke forbid not to take thy
coat also.” Both of those situations would require some serious
self-control. Though
challenging for most, a response in meekness will come more easily
if we recognize that God is in control of all things. When we have an
attitude of
humility toward God and gentleness toward people, He can direct our
lives more fully, and this is pleasing to Him.
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