Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. ~ Matthew 5:5
READING: 1 Peter 3:1-17
The world equates meekness with weakness. But that’s not true. Only two people in the entire Bible are described as meek. One is Moses (Num. 12:3). But Moses was certainly not weak. He was a strong and passionate leader who brought an entire nation out of Egyptian captivity.
The other is the Lord Jesus. “I am meek and humble in heart” (Mt. 11:29). But though meek, Jesus was never weak. He threw money-changers out of the Temple, faced angry crowds, stood up to demons and storms and enemies and death and sin and hell and defeated them all!
Jesus said happiness is for meek Christians – whose strength is under control. Meekness toward God means accepting His ways without complaining or murmuring. Meekness toward others means being loving and patient and kind, free from malice or bitterness or the desire for revenge.
Church planters are usually assertive personalities whom God has gifted to lead. But meekness is not a personality issue, it is a character issue. Strong leaders can and should be gentle and humble like Jesus. Meekness is not absence of assertiveness; it is the absence of self-promotion. Meekness is not about being subservient. But it is about being submissive toward God.
Jesus said happiness starts with poverty of spirit, which leads to heartfelt mourning for sin, and then produces meekness – strength under the control of God’s Spirit.
The meek Christian will inherit the earth in two ways: first, here and now, he is content. He looks to God and has enough. But second, there is a new day coming, a new heavens and a new earth, which Jesus has prepared just for us.
Lord, As I lead my church plant, teach me meekness. May the strength You have given me be always under the Spirit’s control. Amen.
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