Bro. Mick Smith
Spiritual Meekness – A most necessary Virtue!
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Mt 5:5
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Psalms 37:11 (KJV)
I therefore, … beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (KJV)
Dictionary.com describes meekness as docile, overly compliant, spiritless, yielding or tame. Merriam-Webster define it as mild, deficient in courage, submissive and weak. Certainly not the bible definition of Meekness!
The Greek word used is prautes, which connotes a total lack of self-pride, to the point of a lack of self-concern. The poor and oppressed are often labeled as such, but not because they are cowed but as a result of their humility for their own position, and therefore place a greater emphasis on serving others.
Another comparable Greek word for meek discerned via linguistic and historical analysis is praus, a decided strength of disciplined calmness. In contrast to inherent anger, this leadership virtue towards followers demonstrates a benevolent compassion for subordinates.+-
The Hebrew word for meek is anaw, which refers to someone who is humble, lowly, afflicted or bearing a heavy burden. It is largely an explanation about the circumstance someone is willing to endure, rather than a state to give in to.
Spiritual Meekness is a virtue that refers to those who are willing to share and sacrifice on behalf of others.
Conversely, those who seek dominion and will use any means to trample and crush others are the opposite of what God refers to in Scripture as meekness.
Meekness does not mean weakness! It doesn’t mean that we must cower or retreat from our principles and does not involve the surrender of our righteous convictions. Meek men and women of the Bible demonstrated firm resolve, courage, conviction, and strength.
Moses exhibited firm resolve, courage, conviction, and strength when he came down from Mount Sinai and chucked down the tablets and Jesus’ fury when He threw the merchants and money changers out of the temple! Exodus 32:19 & John 2:14-16 (KJV)
Consider the source behind this yielding behavior. In other words, spiritual meekness is worthy of this surrender because it is made to the omniscient and loving God that is worthy of our praise, worship, and glorification.
*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 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 God’s will and what is good for others.
With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3 (KJV)
Meekness is therefore the opposite 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 the service of others. Consequently, it’s a servant-like leadership quality that’s absent from the world.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.Matthew 16:24-25 (KJV)
37 — Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Matthew 22:37-39 (KJV)
12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 — Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:3-5 (KJV)
Jesus is our role model of Meekness! Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV)
Here are words by Charles D. Meigs and his Poem; “Others” written in 1902. He allowed it to be set to music in 1916.
OTHERS:
1 – Lord, help me live from day to dayIn such a self-forgetful wayThat even when I kneel to prayMy prayer shall be for others.
(Chorus)Others, Lord, yes others,Let this my motto be,Help me to live for others,That I may live like Thee.
2 – Help me in all the work I doTo ever be sincere and trueAnd know that all I’d do for YouMust needs be done for others.
3 – Let self be crucified and slainAnd buried deep, and all in vainMay efforts be to rise again,Unless to live for others.
4 – And when my work on earth is done,And my new work in Heav’n’s begun,May I forget the crown I’ve won,While thinking still of others.
Others, Lord, yes others,Let this my motto be,Help me to live for others,That I may live like Thee.