Ambrose Bierce, said meekness is, “uncommon patience in planning a revenge that is worthwhile.” Meekness, in today’s world, is not a quality we want or admire in society. I knew a man who thought meekness as an attribute to be pitied and suggested the meek Christian needed to work to get out of that frame of mind. I think his problem wasn’t with meekness, but with the dictionary. The meek are not fighters(!) and lack strength while getting run over by anyone and everyone. But that is timidity, not meekness. We are commanded to “be strong in the Lord” and “watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.” The armor of God isn’t decoration to hang in the living room, but we are to put it on and make use of it. God’s people are not “men-pleasers” doing anything and everything we are asked to do, not to upset anyone one, or at least we shouldn’t. As for getting run over? Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”
Meekness is the Spiritual result of the Spirit’s work in our soul. It’s not a natural attitude or something you are born with, it’s humility of spirit, lowliness of mind put into action in our souls. Matthew Henry wrote, “The meek are those who quietly submit themselves before God, to His Word, to His rod, who follow His directions and comply with His designs, and are gentle towards men” Meekness is gentleness, forbearing wrongs, and submissive to God’s will. Happy are the meek? Happy are the assertive, not the submissive and blessed are the renegades not the followers. Happy are the rough and heartless, not the gentle. If you want to inherit the earth, you have to go get it by any means necessary, says the wisdom of the world. If you want temporary wealth and power, then by all means. The strong survive, for a little while Do you think we could ever again elect a meek president? And if you think having a meek leader means weakness, read Numbers 12:3.
Broken by the poverty of Spirit, mourning for his own unrighteousness, the meek in Spirit is pliable to God’s commands to obey, especially when it goes against our heart and natural tendencies (James 1:21). Followers of Christ have a teachable spirit and will come to the truth (Psalm 25:9) and readily receive correction from God’s Word and will be pliable to God’s direction. God’s Word is to reprove, rebuke, exhort us, and the meek will be willing to hear.
Meekness, in fact, is strength under control, reigning in our emotions under God’s direction. The meek know there is a resurrection. God will judge the wicked and set all things right. The Lord God will raise up, reward and bless. The earth will belong to the meek, because the Meek One is our King. Jesus Christ will rule this world, and the meek will rule with Him in His kingdom.
