|
|
 |
Devotion Three
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Mt. 5:5)
These are those who have not too much pride. Meekness is the opposite of pride. It is not self-confidence; it is not grandeur, and arrogance; it is not the seeking of self-glory, but the humility of realizing that we are nothing in truth, and not in speech only! So many claim meekness, but it is said that if you brag about it, "you ain't got it!"
We see little true meekness today; this can only come by knowing Christ intimately, honestly.
Meekness is closely related to patience when applied to circumstances, but it is closer, perhaps, to "mildness" or a mild, kind spirit. It is one of the elements, or proofs of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5: 23). Meekness is also closely related to humility, and an even balancing of passions and affections. It is very pleasing to the Lord, and "of great price" in His eyes (1 Pet. 3:4). It is to be no brawler, but gentle to all men (Titus 3:2), so, it is a cross between humility, and gentleness, as well as patience. It is all these rolled into one, and a very precious commodity for the Christian. These, by the way, shall inherit the earth. "Inherit the earth"? The new earth, after its purging; it will be worth inheriting then, but it surely is not worth it now!
When one feels meek, then he has missed true meekness. It is seen in us by others, but hardly realized by ourselves; It is not something we consciously practice, lest we become vain, but it, as several of these qualities, is inbred in us by our relationship with Christ. A personal relationship with Him will lead us into meekness. Meekness is not weakness, as many suppose, in fact, it has been defined as the restraining of strength; our perfect example of meekness is Christ, on Calvary. He could have called legions (thousands) of angels to come and get Him down from the cross, but He withheld the strength available to Him, this is true meekness.
By the way, this quality is also one element of the fruit of the Spirit, (Gal. 5:23), that alone gives it a special value. The Holy Spirit will build this in us as we seek Him, and draw closer to Him, and allow Him to indwell us by faith in Christ.
|
