SOME CLOSING THOUGHTS ON MEEKNESS
Matthew 5:5

I don't know about you, but this third Beatitude has gripped my heart.  Perhaps it is because meekness is a quality which is often lacking in my own life.  Perhaps it is because I have witnessed that it is one of the missing character traits of Christ's Church today which has caused it to become more ineffective in its witness.  But, before we leave this concept and go on to the next Beatitude, I would like to take a few moments to share how the quality of meekness can and should impact our ministry.

First, meekness will impact our witness to others.  We read these words from the pen of Peter, But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness (here is that word meekness) and respect (1 Peter 3:15).  Now, what does this mean?  First, it means that we are not to be braggarts about our faith.  We are not to go around boasting about how we have all the answers.  In ourselves, we don't have the answers, but we can direct people to Jesus, the answer to life's problems.  Secondly, it means that we are to put others ahead of ourselves.  When I think of meekness, I often think of Abraham in his dealings with his nephew Lot.  Lot was hardly a likable person.  He was self-centered and made snap decisions without often thinking of the consequences.  Yet, in the account in Genesis 13 we observe Abraham allowing Lot to make his choice of the properties of the Promised Land.  And God honored that spirit of Abraham. 

Friends, a quiet spirit is more effective in reaching the lost than all the fanfare which we could muster together.  People will come to Christ as they observe your caring for them.

The second great consequence of meekness is its impact upon our relating to problems.  Paul, in writing to the Galatians, stated,  Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently (that word could be translated, with meekness).  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted (Galatians 6:1).  The man of meekness knows that he, too, is vulnerable to sin unless he relies upon God's strength.  The man of meekness is aware of the beam in his own eye, even as he tries to help his brother remove the speck which is in his. 

Jesus proclaims that the man of meekness will inherit the earth.  What does He mean?  The meek man finds an inheritance which comes through peace of heart as he develops confidence in the One who holds the future.  And that confidence in God is exercised in a compassion for others as he seeks to bring them into the family of God.

Father, I thank You that You desire for Your children to walk in a spirit of meekness before the world.  This is not a weakness, but is a strength.  It is walking in the confidence of knowing that You are a great God who is always faithful to His promises. 
Father, You have excited my own heart with this study.  I pray that I might be open to having You cultivate this quality in my own heart.  I pray this in Christ's name.  Amen.

 

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