I’m going to start today with the assumption that most reading this are familiar with Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount”, found in Matthew 5:1-11. Today, I would like to unwrap one verses in particular.
‘Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.’ Matthew 5:5
The “meek” shall inherit. The character trait Jesus is referencing is not what most people think. What my longstanding misunderstanding of that word was incorrect, as well. When He references the character trait of “meekness”, He is not referring to a passive nature. He is not referring to someone who allows others to run them over and take advantage of them. He’s referring to people who can do the running over, yet refuse to, the people who possess strength and power, be it mind and/or body, yet, restrain themselves. This quality of “meekness” is power restrained. The new testament was originally authored in Greek. To better understand the intention we need to look at the Greek word used for “meek” praus, which is translated as “strength under control.” In ancient Greece, war horses were trained to be meek — strong and powerful yet under control and willing to submit. That creates a very different word picture than “meek as a mouse”, doesn’t it? It’s having the ability to exert your authority and will over another, yet exercising restraint, showing compassion for and exhortation of those you don’t “have” to. This is an attribute lost on many. Often times, it is a quality I fail to embody. It’s a quality that is always in demand and seldom exemplified. It’s important, and it’s difficult. That’s why Jesus made it a point to convey it to us through His sermon. Think of a specific instance or instances when you exerted your will, your power, your authority over another simply because you could, because it’s what you wanted. Now, imagine that same instance and think about how you could have exercised meekness instead. How does the outcome and complexion of that moment change? Think about Matthew 5:5 when you come to a moment today, tomorrow or the next, pause before responding. Then, imagine for a moment, what it will look like if you respond with unchecked power, exerting your will versus responding with meekness of heart and character. Practice that exercise over and over until your natural, righteous, Christlike response is inherently one of meekness, power restrained. There’s always a great deal of conflict in our world. Feels like now is a pivotal time in which the “meek” need to shine and be the example this world so desperately needs. Have a blessed weekend!
‘“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’ Matthew 5:14-16
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy
