INL May 18, 2007  

SOUNDING OUT:
Meekness to God and His Word

  Meekness is the disposition of mind to accept God’s Word and ways without arguing or stubbornly resisting. Meekness is demonstrated by the eagerness and willingness to act on someone else’s suggestion or direction. God loves meekness because it allows Him to work effectually in one’s life.

Psalms 147:6a:
The Lord lifteth up the meek…

  The greatest example of meekness was the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:25-30). He always did his Father’s will (John 8:29). He knew God was true (John 8:26), and did not argue with God or resist His will in any way. Another great example of meekness was Moses. It says of Moses in Numbers 12:3, “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” If you know anything about either Jesus Christ or Moses you know the strength of character and resolve these men had. Meekness is not weakness. Although a modern synonym may be “timid” or “spineless,” that does not fit with any sense of the Biblical definition. The lives of Jesus and Moses both attest to the strength of character associated with the biblical concept of meekness.

Psalm 25:9:
The meek will he [the Lord] guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

  Meekness is a predisposition to act on instruction. It is based on the acknowledgment of a personal need for instruction, and a recognition of the authority and prowess of the instructor. It is also demonstrated by the eagerness to apply the instruction. It is being “coachable” or “leadable” or “trainable.” Without it, one will receive little if anything from God.

James 1:21,22:
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But [moreover] be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
  We're not meek if we're not a doer of the Word. Meekness means we're willing to act on God's Word. Habits of meekness can be built and encouraged by recognizing God’s majesty and seeking out His Word and will in all matters with which we are concerned.

  Meekness will not only facilitate our relationship with God, but it will make our relationships within the family of God much easier, also (Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:2,3; II Corinthians 10:1). When we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalms 37:4). We simply move forward on those things He has put in our hearts according to the greatness of His Word.

  The meek are blessed (Matthew 5:5). Enjoy your walk of meekness to God and His Word!

[Suggestions for further study: Other scriptures to check: (Matthew 5:5; Psalms 147:6; Isaiah 29:19; Zephaniah 2:3; II Corinthians 10:1; I Peter 3:4). A concordance will allow you to work meekness in much greater detail in your future study.]