Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5, NKJV).
Steadfast and Unshaken
The best ever definition I have heard of the Biblical term meekness is this: "mildness of disposition and gentleness of spirit." It speaks of someone who is not flighty or volatile, who does not erupt in indignation at the slightest offense. Someone who does not tremble with self-righteous indignation when their own way is not gotten.
A predictably honest and rational individual who understands his or her own imperfections and faults will necessarily exhibit meekness because to be otherwise is to be lavishly self-indulgent for no good reason.
Jesus exemplifies this quality to the ultimate degree, of course, with this added dimension: His meekness was all the more remarkable because He had all power. It was not a choice out of pragmatic necessity in the face of greater odds, it was a choice empowered by love for the Father. His meekness was ultimate power under ultimate control. In fact, His only self-description in the Bible emphasizes this very characteristic:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV).
Meekness must not be confused with weakness. They are very different things. Weak people can be quite self-assertive when they judge that they can get away with it. Often, when feeling safe, the weak become tyrants, partly because they can, and partly because tyranny is a great way to expel the fear that haunts them in their weakness. The specter of the victimized becoming the bully, when possible, is as familiar as breathing.
Meek people are gentle, not out of fear, but out of empathy. They know, either from personal experience or personal wisdom, what it feels like to be oppressed or treated unfairly or picked on. They are self-aware to the point where they can perceive beyond the borders of their own needs and desires. If this holds true for the world in general, it is even more applicable to believers who understand Who it is they serve, and Who is in control of even the smallest details of daily life.
If Christ has your back, you are living day by day from a position of His strength. If you believe His promises to never leave nor forsake you, to perfect those things that concern you, to refine you and comfort you through the fires of refinement, to complete that good work which He has begun in you, and to prepare a place for you in Heaven, then meekness is the faithful result.
As His co-heir by faith you inherit not only the earth, but also heaven. You are blessed beyond human words to describe, not only in this life, but in the life to come.
Meekness then is not only the most rational response to life, it is an act of faith, and is therefore pleasing to the One who purchased your life on the Cross.
[For] without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV).
