Read Matthew 5:5
MEEK: Does That Mean I’m A Pushover?
“Blessed are the “praus” [Greek word meaning meek, gentle, humble], for they shall inherit the earth.”
In our language today, meek means someone who is shy and quiet and easily controlled. A pushover.
But in ancient Greek it didn’t mean that at all. Meekness was someone who had a powerful personality but also had self-control. They were humble.
So how can we apply meekness today? Think first of Jesus. He was meek. He was humble, but he had power and authority. He took the time to be with people and he loved them and encouraged them. He was not a pushover. He learned to speak in the authority God gave him.
Imagine if we applied that in our lives today. Imagine if we knew who we were in Christ: the authority that we had, and spoke, not with arrogance, but rather with boldness and humility. People saw our power, but also saw our loving and gentle Spirit mixed with encouragement. People are drawn to that type of personality. People love having around a meek person. They feel valuable and important. They feel safe and secure.
“They shall inherit the earth.” In other words, they shall receive blessings from God on the earth. God finds favor in the meek and will take care of them. And he’ll use the people who we have been meek towards. People are willing to be a blessing to a meek individual.
When I worked in the Inner City for 8 weeks, I would hang out with guys on the street during my lunch break. I’d sit with them and occasionally engage in conversation. I’d love them and encourage them. One guy confronted me thinking I might be with the police. But someone knew who I was and the ministry I was with and said I was “okay!”
I had a man I’d play chess with on occasion. One day he and his buddy were looking for “money for food” outside a bar. I told them I would gladly take them to get something to eat but I wouldn’t give them the money. The guy I didn’t know threatened to kill me but my buddy told him to leave me alone.
My point is this, people are drawn to the meek. May we demonstrate that today, really everyday. But may we be more conscious today to operate with authority and power mixed with humility and gentleness. It will go a long way. You shall inherit the earth!
