Blessed Are The Meek Series

“Blessed are the meek [in spirit], for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

“28Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

“22But the fruit of the spirit is… 23gentleness…(meekness)…” (Galatians 5:22-23a)

“Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the on the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3)

The Beatitudes are about learning to make changes in our lives as the Holy Spirit directs. The Holy Spirit knows those areas where we’ve blown it, and He hasn’t come to rub it in – He’s come to rub them out! God hasn’t come to condemn us, but to change us.

Why is meekness important in my life?

Grimaced faces. Hurried living. Curt answers. These are all indicators that someone needs a revival of meekness (gentleness). I see it all the time - people who feel like their lives are out of control. They feel powerless. Even though God’s word says they are “more than conquerors,” they feel like the conquered.

Do you know what it means to be a conqueror? The word means, “one who overcomes by gaining control.” It’s strength under control. This, by the way, is our definition of the beatitude of gentleness. That is exactly what the beatitudes are all about - learning how to gain control in these nine vital areas of our lives.

The beatitudes are as much about what you believe as how you behave. Dear one always remember, this is not about living a life; this is about building a life. The beatitudes are building blocks for a life that is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Some look at this text and equate meekness with weakness. Nothing could be further from the truth. Simply put, the word meekness or gentleness is the opposite of pride, stubbornness, and hard-headedness. Gentleness is the ability to remain cool when others get heated.

There is nothing weak about ruler-ship. That’s what happens when a believer walks in meekness - God gives them ruler-ship privileges in the present age and in the age to come. God wants to provide the proper leadership so His church can fulfill the Great Commission and Great Commandment, and he clearly chooses meek people to place in those positions; meek people, not weak people. In fact, no person ever rises to a place of leadership while being weak or receding into the background.

These first three beatitudes are designed to awaken and tame our carnal man so others can see the life of the Spirit working within us. And when the life of the Spirit is at work, you are rewarded with an inheritance of leadership and ruler-ship. You become a trustee to an inheritance, in this case, one given to you by God. Let me suggest a few scenarios and let you analyze your meekness or gentleness quotient:

Ø Do you have the ability to stay cool when those around you become hostile?

Ø Can you receive correction and instruction privately and openly with a proper attitude?

Ø Do you offer forgiveness and graciousness to those around you? Gentleness is a virtue that recognizes the mistakes and flaws of others and gives space and wiggle room so those flaws can be corrected.

Now, to live a life of gentleness is not a pipedream. Gentleness truly sets us apart and lifts the heavy load of life as it releases the burdens and gives rest to the weary.

“28Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Talking about gentleness is one thing, pulling it off is another. Let me recommend six settings where you can manifest this beatitude of gentleness, this Fruit of the Spirit.

Meekness is not Weakness

1. When someone neglects you, be a servant, not demanding.

“…the fruit of the spirit is…gentleness (Galatians 5:23)

One area where gentleness is badly needed is the service industry. You look like you’re open to conviction so let me ask you a question: how do you treat those who serve you? I’m talking about those people you see everyday who help make your life a part of the American dream. Are you impatient while waiting in line at the bank? Do you roll your eyes when someone messes up? Do you get upset when you drive away from your favorite fast food place only to discover your item was forgotten but your wife’s specialty item is clearly marked? It is so easy to be concerned only with us. When that happens, those serving us are reduced to just being a part of the machinery that’s supposed to make life good for us.