Psalm 45:4 “And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; And Your right hand shall teach You awesome things.”
Meekness has been defined as gentleness or humility but the original Greek word for meekness was the term ‘praus’, which literally translates as “strength under control”.
This term then begs the question; by what strength are you referring? Under who’s control?
The epitome of meekness was illustrated in the life of Christ. His ability to maintain His mission in the face of such opposition is the model every believer aspires to. Whether Jesus was dealing with reckless disciples, satanic temptation, continual testing, or physical challenges, the ability to navigate perfectly through the storms that He endured illustrated His Meekness which was manifest in humility and gentleness.
What drove Jesus to press through so much opposition? What can we do to follow in His steps?
Meekness is an attribute of good character.
The one who displays meekness:
1. Reveals God’s character.
James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
2. Restores others.
Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
3. Reveals the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
4. Maintains self control.
Titus 3:2 “To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”
5. Follows God’s instructions.
2 Timothy 2:25 “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
6. Is effective in evangelism.
1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”
7. Accepts correction.
1 Corinthians 4:21 “What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?”
8. Walks in honor.
Psalm 37:11 “But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.”
9. Grows each day.
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;”
10. Exemplifies Jesus
Psalm 25:9 “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.”
The more I survey the attribute of meekness, the more I see it as a fundamental quality that must be exhibited in true believers.
The term ‘praus’ is separate from the biblical depiction of how meekness was originally portrayed. Traditionally it was a term that indicated a gentle spirit, or humility but as I look deeper I see it is more as a matter of control.
When someone makes Christ the center of their life, they are abdicating the control of their life to Christ living in them. Their strength, understanding, peace, joy, hope, and future are now relegated into the hands of the Savior. Wherever the Lord leads, that is where they want to go. It is by the strength of God and by His power that a sinner, lost in darkness, is lifted up and made whole. The strength exhibited in the life of a believer is the strength that Jesus displayed on the cross at Calvary—-this is the model of true meekness.
Meekness is an attribute of a life abandoned to Jesus.
Notice how God reacts to those who walk in meekness?
*He lifts them up.
*He gives them His Creation in which to rule.
*He endows them with His honor.
**Clearly the Lord values this attribute in His people.
When Christ is in control of your life, He is directing your pathway. It’s not like you can’t do something contrary to His will, it’s just that the focus is more toward honoring the Lord in everything you do. When you assume a position of trust, your faith in God grows with every obstacle you traverse, obstacles that you might have previously approached in fear.
As usual, the Word of God is your primary guide for Truth. The Holy Spirit amplifies the Word in you and it correlates with God’s moral law. If every action you do is filtered through this standard of Righteousness, you will see each decision leading you closer to Him and further away from the world.
Imagine for a moment the entire world occupied with people who exhibit meekness…..God’s strength under His control…in each individual—The world would not even remotely resemble what it is today.
This is our future, this is what we can expect when all who remain are just the meek and the Savior with His throne in the midst of them.
Why not get started in that endeavor today? Meekness requires it’s recipient to approach the throne of God not only in humility but with a contrite spirit.
Isaiah 57:15 “For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
When we come before the Lord with a heart of meekness, we will see revival in our lives and in our land.
U.T. 