Friday, April 17, 2009

meekness

Meekness has to do with strength under control. We may think we need to put someone in their place either verbally or nonverbally. Meekness refuses to do that, but continues in humility. To be meek means we must lead by example, all the time being gracious and sensitive to the one we are seeking to lead.

This is about our call to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. We don't do that by abandoing meekness and either setting someone straight, often bluntly in one way or another, nor by rolling one's eyes and shaking one's head. No. We need to lovingly seek to lead them by example, being sensitive to them and what they might need at that time. And being patient in letting it work out over time.

Something I'm working on, and important for us, who may be in higher stress work for one reason or another.

What about you? How would you describe meekness, and what challenges does being meek bring in life?

6 comments:

Mama K said...

Oh, but rolling the eyes is so much EASIER!

But you are right. Thanks for the reminder. A good thing to work on! (And it will take self-control, and humility, too, I think.)

Anonymous said...

it means one can still speak truth when we are led to say it. but the words must be of God.

i see it as being submissive to God. acting in the Love of God.

preacherman said...

Ted,
Thank you for this information and letting us know more on the subject of meekness. I think many, including myself, get confused with what meekness really means and is all about. I appreciate you futher educating us on this topic. I hope you and your family have a wonderful weekend.

Every Square Inch said...

Meekness is strength coupled with humility...which is a rare thing since those who are strong and powerful are often not humble.

I wish I was meek but I'm not but I have a fine example of meekness in my wife who is both strong in many ways, yet humble.

Spherical said...

Meekness is knowing our place. Meekness is understanding that we are but dust in the wind. Meekness is falling down on our knees before an all-powerful God, bowing, shaking. Meekness knows that we are not in control. God is.

Ted M. Gossard said...

Mama K., Amen. Just a part of our unlearning the old and learning the new in Jesus.

Nancy, Yes. And with much grace and love. And identifying with them as we endeavor to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Kinney, Well, I don't pretend that this is on a scholarly, academic level, though whatever I do learn from that level I try to honor in all I think and say. Blessings on you and yours, as well. Spring is wonderfully in the air here this morning!

ESI, I can identify with you on the wife thing. My wife is also strong in many ways, yet also humble. I am thankful that God is helping me and I need it, since I tend to be a no-nonsense type of person which can easily go against loving one's neighbor as one's self.

Spherical, Good points in conveying how meekness plays out in our lives. Yes, it starts with our relationship with God and then into our relationship with others.