Meek not Weak!

“Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth,” Matthew 5:5 KJV

Meek is not a virtue most people seek or regard highly in Western culture. The term is usually identified with someone who is timid, fearful, submissive and lacking courage. However, one definition as defined by Webster’s is “enduring injury with patience and without resentment.”

The instinctive nature of most people is to escape injury, let alone endure it. Furthermore, most of us are swift to retaliate against anyone who causes us pain or upset. It takes an extraordinary amount of strength and determination not to lash out and trust God.

As “Christians” we claim to “follow” Christ yet very few of us are jumping up and volunteering to actually “suffer” for Him.

Christ was very well aware that His followers would suffer. He did not tell them how to escape suffering but taught them instead how to endure it. (See John 16:22-33)

We must push through our injuries and struggles if we are ever going to inherit the best God has for us. Inherit means “to come into possession of or to receive as a right or divine portion.”

“But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace,” Psalms 37:11 KJV

This Old Testament verse reaffirms what Jesus spoke in His sermon. Furthermore, this verse promises an inheritance of “peace” which is far more valuable than any material object.

Our God does not direct us to do anything He has not given us the ability to do. By His power we are able, even when our situation looks hopeless. Our inheritance comes after we go through whatever “injuries” life throws our way.

We often strive (and pray) to get out of our circumstances instead of trusting God to get us through them.

God provides the strength, faith, and power necessary for us to obey His Word and become meek. This requires that we recognize God will fight certain battles for us. We don’t have to prove how strong we are.

Our God is stronger.  

With Him we are stronger than we ever thought possible. We are strong enough not to take the bait that would draw us into an argument. We are strong enough not to have the last word. Or, belittle other people.

To be meek is not a weakness. It is strength enough to know your “injury” is only temporary. It does not define you. You can endure it. You can be patient through faith that your situation will be okay. No matter what it looks like right now.

You can endure with a promise of peace yet to come.

Christ endured the cross and inherited a place at the right hand of the Father. If He who was free from sin had to endure, how can we expect anything less?

Blessed are the meek, the patient and the enduring, because our God promises a reward well worth the journey.