MEEKNESS

In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus spoke of how the meek will inherit the earth. And this particular passage has certainly prompted plenty of comments.

I recall in one movie there was this false teacher who used this passage to quip, “That is what the meek are going to get, plain dirt!” And in this one other movie they did this satire about misunderstanding what was said and thinking Jesus said “Greeks.”

I think both movies in part reflect the general sentiment when one thinks of the general idea of what meekness is thought to mean in our society. It implies weakness or someone lacking courage who is doormat for everyone and everything.

And I think it goes against the basic view of our society to see that someone of that kind of nature deserves any reward. So in part the question is whether our Lord was really saying those who are weak or lacking aggression are the one’s who eventually be rulers of this sod?

In reality this word conveys the idea of something that has been tamed like a wild horse. It means someone who still has spirit, but has it properly controlled to use it in a positive way.

This is many ways makes sense to me. A person who can control his or her rage and impulsive beyond is far more capable of obedience and faithfulness than the person who is hopelessly unstable.

But not all of us are filled with only courage. We all have the things we fear and also have weaknesses. And I feel that unto those of us we do have such weakness we too can be apart of this intended meaning.

It is the capacity for faithfulness regardless of who we are that is what saves us. To continue day in and day out to follow the Lord is able to tame our spirit whether is it passionate or stoic. And ultimately like with everything in our relationship with him, the truth remains the same. Basically that the “just shall live by faith.”

To live by faith and not works, to obey and continue in trust through the failings and successes is to I feel personify the meaning of meekness intended for every believer’s life. And that is a view of this promise I can cling to when my life falls so short of God’s glory.

Hopefully if you have had trouble with this passage in your own thoughts this posting will perhaps encourage. God isn’t after all looking for perfect people. He is looking for those who will trust him. And unto all who call upon him in faith, shall we have an eternal inheritance. That is the kind of promise that can keep me going when I wonder if anything I’m going really matters.

God knows. That is the ultimate understanding. Rejoice and keep trusting and in due season those who have kept the faith will receive the inheritance promised.