Meek, Not Weak

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5 (NIV)

I was reminded earlier this week that one of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. Having the discipline to keep yourself in check; keeping your feelings on track. Part of that is learning how to be meek.

The trouble is, so many people now misunderstand that term. Sure, we know from popular culture that Superman's alter ego Clark Kent was 'meek and mild-mannered'. And we know from an old children's song that Jesus was 'meek and mild'... In fact, long-term readers of this blog will realise that I touched on this before; see here.That's when I talked about my passionate, 'positively assertive' self that I frequently have to keep in check...

The whole problem with meekness stems from a simple confusion - we often confuse 'meek' with 'weak'. That's because nobody wants to be seen to be weak...

As I was chewing this over, I received an email this week from Rick Warren which listed the many benefits of Christian meekness:

• The meek will be satisfied (Psalm 22:26)
• God will guide them (Psalm 25:9)
• They will become wise (Proverbs 11:2)
• They will be filled with fresh joy (Isaiah 29:19)

In fact, the Greek word used for meekness is πραΰς, which literally means "God's strength under God's control." It's not weak - not weak at all. In fact, Rick described it like a wild stallion that has now been tamed. All that strength that was there beforehand is still there, but it's now under control.

Awesome, isn't it? And I'm told this is a key way to relieve stress and eliminate worry in your life.

God's absolute power - under His perfect control...

Wow.