Meekness: a hallmark of Christ
Scripture: Matt. 11:28-29; Psalm 37:11; Psalm 25:9
Exhortation
What does God’s Word say to us about meekness (humility)? How important is it to God and for our lives?
5 “Likewise, you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,” - 1 Peter 5:5-6
28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take 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
“But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.” Psalm 37:11
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9
Meekness carries so much blessing. The Lord Jesus states that it is His key characteristic that anyone who wants to walk with Him and enjoy His goodness must learn from Him. Meekness also gives us access to God’s leading, favor, wisdom, peace, and prosperity. What else can one ask for? If meekness (humility) is this important to God and crucial for us to walk with him and be all He wants us to be, then what is meekness (humility)?
According to the Regent University’s article by Mark E. Caner (Journal: Inner Resources for Leaders Issue: 3 Volume: 2 Year: 2010), “Spiritual Meekness: An Imperative Virtue for Christian Leaders” (Spiritual Meekness: An Imperative Virtue for Christian Leaders (regent.edu)),
“Meekness is essentially an attitude or quality of heart whereby a person is willing to accept and submit without resistance to the will and desire of someone else. In the case of Christians, this is God. …A spiritually meek person is not self-willed – not continually concerned with his own ways, ideas and wishes. They are willing to put themselves in second place and submit themselves to achieve what is good for others. Meekness is therefore the antithesis of self-will, self-interest, and self-assertiveness. This is a sign, not of weakness of character, but of strength. It’ll require great self-control to submit to others. Consequently, it’s a servant-like leadership quality that’s absent from most modern day organizations. It requires an intrinsic humility and integrity in order to reach its potential, but when it transforms, we have a godly leader that is selfless and servant-focused.”
Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology describes meekness as: “An active and deliberate acceptance of undesirable circumstances that are wisely seen by the individual as only part of a larger picture. Meekness is not a resignation to fate, a passive and reluctant submission to events, for there is little virtue in such a response… The patient and hopeful endurance of undesirable circumstances identifies the person as externally vulnerable and weak but inwardly resilient and strong. Meekness does not identify the weak but more precisely the strong who have been placed in a position of weakness where they persevere without giving up. The use of the Greek word when applied to animals makes this clear, for it means "tame" when applied to wild animals. In other words, such animals have not lost their strength but have learned to control the destructive instincts that prevent them from living in harmony with others. Therefore, it is quite appropriate for all people, from the poor to ancient Near Eastern kings, to describe their submission to God by the term "meek" (Moses in Numbers 12:3).”
Let’s learn from our perfect example, the only begotten Son of God, the power of meekness (humility) in our journey through life, as described in the Book of Philippians.
“5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-9
Based on Philippians 2:5-9, I define meekness as “A personal choice empowered by the Holy Spirit for absolute humility, submission, dependence, and obedience to God like Christ Jesus.” Meekness is a choice you make to submit to God in all things. Without meekness (humility), you cannot obey God and become or have His best!
According to our Lord Jesus in Matthew 11:28-29, we can learn how to be meek from Him. The more we behold Him through His Word (Bible), we are changed into His image from glory to glory (John 12:41 and 2 Corinthians 3:18). Meekness (absolute humility, submission, dependence, and obedience to the Father) is the hallmark of Jesus. You can become more and more like Him in meekness.
Spiritual meekness: An imperative virtue for Christian leaders (2024). Regent University. Available at: https://www.regent.edu/journal/inner-resources-for-leaders/spiritual-meekness-a-virtue-for-christian-leaders/ (Accessed: 06 June 2024).
