MEEKNESS IN THE CHRISTIAN'S LIFE

One of the characters of Jesus Christ was meekness. He is calling us to reflect such a character. “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”  Matthew 11:29. Today, we who profess to be Christians, have failed to reflect the meekness of Jesus Christ. E.G.White writes "Jesus loves the young.... He bids them learn of him meekness and lowliness of heart. This precious grace is rarely seen in the youth of the present day, even in those who profess to be Christians" ML 56.2

Through the scriptures, God continues to insist us to follow his example by developing this character of meekness. Through the pen of Mathew Jesus says “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”  Matthew 10:16. Also in our mission of winning souls for Christ we must not forget to apply this character of meekness as Peter instructed; “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” 1 Peter 3:15

Meekness should be our adornment instead of worldly things which we are adorned with. Again, Peter says “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:4. As we learn to obey God's word, meekness should be the first character to express as we surrender our iniquities and defaults to Jesus Christ. James emphasizes “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”James 1:21. Moreover, our humbleness should be a testimony to everyone around us, as the inspired word addresses “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4:5. 

As usual, no instructions are without promises to those who will abide to them. Also, Jesus made many promises to those who will reflect his character of meekness. Some of these promises are explained below.

The promise of guidance. God through his spirit will guide us in our lives if we have the character meekness, as psalmist says “The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” Psalms 25:9.

The promise of blessings and success. Meekness provides us with blessings from Jesus Christ who is a blueprint of this character. As result of those blessings, we prosper in all aspects of our lives since Jesus is in front to guide us. The psalmist writes “The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.” Psalms 147:6 

Solving conflicts. We can be safe from any conflict which can arise in our lives by reflecting meekness through soft words. “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”  Proverbs 15:1

Last but not the least is the promise of eternal life. As we saw, through reflection of meekness in our lives we receive guidance from the Holy Spirit. As a result, our lives will be sanctified and made fit to receive the gift of eternal life in a new Jerusalem. Jesus himself emphasized this when said “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5. Also the psalmist continues to insist “For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.” “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." "When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.”  Psalms 149:4,37:11, 76:9 

Let me remind you one important thing as I’m going to put the pen down. Never confuse meekness with ignorance; accepting everything even evil instructions. "(…. Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3, Despite his meekness, he was able to inform the Israelites in their iniquities and oppose all their sinful petitions.

GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU CONTEMPLATE ON THE MESSAGE