Teachability – The Third Step To Happiness Series

Teachability – The Third Step To Happiness

We have been making a journey through the “be” attitudes. So far we have looked at how humility helps lead us to happiness. We looked last week on how repentance leads us to happiness. This week we are going to learn how becoming teachable also leads us to happiness. Follow along with me as I read the beatitudes:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:3-12 (NKJV)

Today we are going to focus in on verse five:

“Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 (NKJV)

Let me say right up front:

Meekness is not WEAKNESS.

Most people seem to think that meek means weak, a spineless person without any backbone at all. But in the original language, the word “meek” is the same word that is used in bridling a horse, or taming a wild animal. In other words – meekness involves the process the teaching or training the animal. It is not that the animal has become “powerless” – but that the power of the animal has been brought under the control of the trainer. So, in the Christian realm, when we talk about a meek person, we’re not talking about a spineless wimp. We are talking about a person whose life has been brought under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and God is in control of his or her life.

Meekness = power under CONTROL

The Bible tells us that Jesus was meek in Matthew chapter eleven:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Matthew 11:29 (KJV)

Jesus was meek, and look what he did to the money changers in the Temple. He made a whip out of cords, and drove all of the money changers from the temple. He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He yelled and said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a shopping mall!" Jesus was in complete control of His actions. He thought about what He was going to do. He took the time to make a whip. He was in control of his actions and his anger. Had He been out of control He would not have taken the time to make a whip.

What this beatitude is telling me is that I am to allow God to lead me – to teach me – to guide me – as I go through life. It’s like saying, “Jesus, I’ll drive. You just tell me where to go. If you say turn left - I’ll turn left. If you say turn right - I’ll turn right. If you say turn around - I’ll turn around. If you say stop – I’ll stop. It’s my life but I’m turning my destination over to you. You are my teacher - You are my trainer - You are my Lord.”

You see the meek are sensitive to the divine will of God. The meek allow God to be in control. The meek are not easily provoked or irritated. They are humble. They are not proud, self sufficient or stubborn. They are not unmanageable or ill tempered. They allow God to take control. They allow God to train and teach them. They become teachable. In other words:

Meekness is self control empowered and directed by the HOLY SPIRIT.

Those who are meek are sensitive to the will of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. They don’t cower like a mouse – but roar like a lion – over injustice. They keep their heads about them – and use their intellect and their energy for God’s glory – and when God calls them to be bold – they are submissive enough – teachable enough – that they don’t hesitate to step up to the plate. They admit that they don’t know it all – but they are more than willing to follow the One who does. Meekness is following the leading of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of God.