“Do you have any idea how much your painting is worth?” asks the antiques dealer.
“No, not really,” the owner answers.
“At auction, this portrait would probably bring…(a bit of a pause)…$5,000 or more.
The owner gasps. “And to think I only paid $25.00 at a garage sale!”
Scenes such as this are quite frequent on the popular TV program, Antiques Roadshow. It’s astonishing how valuable some common-looking items turn out to be. But I can’t help feeling a bit sad for the previous owners, who had no idea the worth of their possessions.
There are some folks who see little worth in the teachings of Jesus. To their way of thinking, his world view and expectations seemed upside down and backwards.
For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlighted attributes that the world does not value, yet God considers of great worth. Meekness would be a prime example.
Part of the problem lies in a common misunderstanding of the attribute. People think a meek person as weak-willed, passive, and too nice for her own good.
Such thinking is far from the truth.
Meekness includes:
- Surrender to God
- Trust and confidence in His ways and provision
- Gentleness and humility with others
- More concern for the interests of others than one’s own
- Self-control, self-sacrifice, faith, patience, and forbearance
- A gentle and soothing disposition
A weak-willed, passive person cannot demonstrate such traits. Meekness requires strength of character; it is power under control.
Imagine wild stallions running free across rolling hills. Manes and tails undulate and flow in the wind, muscles strain beneath gleaming coats, hooves pound a rapid rhythm. Indeed, stallions in motion are a majestic sight. They exude power. But that power is useless to man unless it is harnessed and trained.
That’s the picture of meekness–strength under control. Strength to do the right thing at the right time. It’s not a human personality trait; it’s a super-human God trait. And the more we know his Son and abide in him, the more we’ll demonstrate meekness.
What might that look like, day-to-day? First, there would be no:
- Mean-spirited sarcasm and rudeness
- Arrogant behavior
- Concern for prestige
- Over-sensitivity or defensiveness
Instead, the beauty of meekness includes:
- Quiet trusting in God to supply
- Adherence to the Golden Rule
- Love in action—caring, giving, helping
- Gracious understanding and forgiveness
The world would be a different place if meekness were a more prevalent trait.
Some of you may recall the old tune, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Do you remember the next line? “And let it begin with me.”
Surely the same could be said for meekness. We can each be an example. As opportunities arise that require meekness, we can allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with his power, much as we fill our lungs with air. In fact, we can use that physical act of taking a deep breath as a reminder of “the breath of God” within us, providing everything we need for meekness: trust in God, self-control, compassion, kindness, and patience.
Meekness is so important to God, he included specific promises in scripture for those who demonstrate this trait:
- “I hear the desires of the meek. I strengthen their hearts” (Psalm 10:17, RSV).
- “The meek shall…be satisfied” (Psalm 22:26, ERV).
- “The meek will he guide in justice; And the meek will he teach his way” (Psalm 25:9, ASV).
- “The meek will…enjoy great peace” (Psalm 37:11).
- “The Lord lifts up the meek” (Psalm 147:6a).
- “The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord (Isaiah 29:19a, RSV).
Strength, satisfaction, guidance, peace, uplift, and fresh joy. Valuable blessings, don’t you think?
Let’s seize the day in meekness. Let’s partake in the adventure of living our lives upside down and backwards, Jesus’ way!
We will NOT be disappointed in the results.
(Art & photo credits: www.dealtrackersf.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.kansas.com; http://www.pinterest.com;
From the Inside Out 