Selwyn continues to reflect on the beatitude, ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ (Matthew 5:5).
He provides a list of characteristics to be found in a ‘meek’ person, as follows:Â ”The meek are those who know how to use their power wisely; their strength lies in self-control and discipline. They remain gentle in their relationships with others. … The truely meek are also emotionally stable. They have their ups and downs, but they don’t allow their down times to distract from their goals. They are particularly patient and teachable. They don’t suffer from a know-it-all attitude. They allow room in their lives for growth. They listen: they are not defensive; they are not on an ego trip. They do not regard their rights as something to be rigidly held on to, but follow the spirit of Jesus. …
This is the place to which you and I must come if we are to demonstrate the attitude of meekness. We must be so sure of God that we, in turn, become sure of ourselves.”
I think that this last sentence is the key to understanding the qualities of ‘meekness’ – do you agree? Again, I believe it’s important to emphasise that this attitude is a gift from God to His followers – it is not an attitude which we can acquire by our own efforts. How different would the situation be in Lebanon and Israel if it was natural for people to be gentle and meek in the exercise of their power!
The prayer for today is worthy of your consideration – given what’s happening in the world today: ‘My Father and my God, help me I pray to be an assured being – someone who is so sure of You that I become more sure of myself. This I ask in Christ’s peerless and precious name. Amen.’
What is real strength?
Selwyn continues to reflect on the beatitude, ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ (Matthew 5:5).
He provides a list of characteristics to be found in a ‘meek’ person, as follows:Â ”The meek are those who know how to use their power wisely; their strength lies in self-control and discipline. They remain gentle in their relationships with others. … The truely meek are also emotionally stable. They have their ups and downs, but they don’t allow their down times to distract from their goals. They are particularly patient and teachable. They don’t suffer from a know-it-all attitude. They allow room in their lives for growth. They listen: they are not defensive; they are not on an ego trip. They do not regard their rights as something to be rigidly held on to, but follow the spirit of Jesus. …
This is the place to which you and I must come if we are to demonstrate the attitude of meekness. We must be so sure of God that we, in turn, become sure of ourselves.”
I think that this last sentence is the key to understanding the qualities of ‘meekness’ – do you agree? Again, I believe it’s important to emphasise that this attitude is a gift from God to His followers – it is not an attitude which we can acquire by our own efforts. How different would the situation be in Lebanon and Israel if it was natural for people to be gentle and meek in the exercise of their power!
The prayer for today is worthy of your consideration – given what’s happening in the world today: ‘My Father and my God, help me I pray to be an assured being – someone who is so sure of You that I become more sure of myself. This I ask in Christ’s peerless and precious name. Amen.’