My son had an assignment in his Bible class where he had to read Matthew 5:5 which says, “Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth” (NKJV). He then had to rely on classroom discussion about the meaning of meekness and write a paragraph on someone he has seen that fits that description. It had been since I was a kid that I learned about meekness. I could only remember that it didn’t mean weakness. Meekness is a combination of humility, gentleness, teachability, and strength under control. As he wrote out his paragraph, I started thinking about these qualities and how Jesus said the person with these is blessed. They show the work of the Spirit in someone’s life because they’re opposite of human nature.
Numbers 12:3 says, “Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth” (ESV). When God called on him to rescue his people out of Egypt, he pushed back because of his inadequacy. His humility caused him to learn to be dependent on God to fulfill his calling. When people complained and challenged his authority, he let God intervene rather than to use his authority to punish them. He constantly kept going back to God for guidance throughout the plagues and wilderness. He didn’t let his authority or position go to his head. He continued to lead, seeking God at each step, and was willing to learn from others along the way. When the Bible says he was more meek than anyone, it causes me to pay attention to his character.
Colossians 3:12 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Paul tells us to put these on as if they were garments Knowing these are against human nature. You put them on by having your mind renewed first and then by being led by the Spirit. Like Moses, you’re going to have to be humble enough to recognize your shortcomings and rely on God’s strength in your weakness. You’re going to have to be humble to recognize it is Hod who is working through you accomplishing His will. We must see others through His eyes so we have compassionate hearts and are patient with them. Which of these do you need the most help with? Ask God to help you put that quality on. Be meek enough to recognize your need for Him to make changes in your life.
Photo by Ümit Bulut on Unsplash
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 