Meekness

I guess if I think I don't need to study meekness, or humbleness, and you think you don't need to either, we are either the most humble or the most proud of all people.  But then again, if we are hyper-humble, we would realize we still need lessons in meekness.  But I digress...

Meekness: humbly patient or docile (Dictionary.com )


Phyllis Diller once quipped, "Want to make God laugh?  Tell Him your plans!"

I am at a crossroads right now.  My next-to-youngest is set to graduate in a few short weeks, with plans to leave for college only a matter of weeks after that.  Lately, I have thought of my own plans that could come to fruition with a change in household size and age.  The time to act would be now, before my little one begins school next fall.  Years ago, I would have dreamed and schemed to get what I want.  Now I pray, and I am reminded to pray with an open, willing heart for whatever the Lord has for me in the days, months and years ahead.  I know where my own plans have led me, and I know where God's perfect plan has placed me in spite of myself.  Yes, praying for what I desire is good.  Humbly asking God to give me what He wants is better.  My personal history is a lesson in meekness.  Do it my way and suffer.  Do it God's way and find peace.  God will amaze me with His goodness and provision. What He requires is humbleness and trust on my part: 

Micah 6:8
He hath shown thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God...

I'm also learning meekness lessons in other ways.  I am reaching out to a young mother I have know since she was a child, who has suffered much in her life.  Her emotions are all over the place, and she often acts before she thinks.  Sometimes I want to shake some sense into her because she reminds me so much of myself in my younger, tumultuous years.  I have to remember that most people who try to help her feel the same way.  Some have even washed their hands of her altogether.  Meekness tells me to take a breath and ask myself - what, if anything, would have helped me back when I was out of control?  I'm almost at a loss for ideas, thoughts or words, but then I remember how my Gram helped me with humble patience - never railing or chiding, never huffing and fretting.  Gram was just 'there', loving, smiling, praying, encouraging.  Maybe she knew I could get an earful from the rest of the world, but her home and heart would be a sanctuary.  It must have been a conscious decision, because I'm sure there were times she would have liked to shake me, too. 

In so many situations, there are two paths - the path of meekness and the path of pride.  I recently found myself in a situation where I had to confront an issue I thought was wrong.  I prayed for direction and sought to address things following biblical instruction.  At each turn, there was a strong urge to let pride take over.  It's so easy to see what others do wrong and jump all over it, comparing ourselves to them.  "I would never do that", we say, but do we realize there are things we do that our brother or sister would never do, either?  Thankfully, the Lord showed me over and over again that His grace covers all sin, not just my own.  If He, who is perfect, can give grace and be humble, then who am I to withhold my human grace and love? 

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Jesus was meek.  In human, and even 'dictionary' terms, meekness can be a sign of weakness.  The all powerful God of the universe chose to be meek as an example to His followers.

Matthew 11:29 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.

When the little children wanted to see Jesus, they probably weren't attracted to His power or authority, they saw something in Him that was welcoming.  Were they drawn to His gentleness, his meekness?  Perhaps that's why the Bible tells us to be meek - so people will be drawn to us, to the Savior IN us.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering

Meekness - an outdated word that's rarely spoken or practiced in this day and age.  How much more gentle would our homes, workplaces and churches be if they were filled with 'humbly patient' and docile people? 

Meekness.  It's underrated.