Meekness Ain’t Weakness
The 3rd recovery principle states “Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control.”
The accompanying verse is Matthew 5:5
By nature we may be a lion, but God calls us to take on the spirit of Christ, like a lamb. Meekness is a purposeful act of submission and is not cowardice. It takes real courage to walk a life totally in tune with Christ. Matthew 11:29
Anger needs to be bridled and not given free rein in our lives. Proverbs 16:32 puts it this way, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city”
What Meekness is not:
- Prideful– “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”Proverbs 16:18
- Vengeful– Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord Romans 12:19
- Self-serving- For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.” Romans 16:18
- Weak– “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philipians 4:13
- Unforgiving- Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
There is a time to roar like a lion.
When we are acting on God’s cause or when we are defending others is the time for righteous anger. Righteous anger is quick and decisive when necessary. Sometimes evil requires us to step up to the plate and act on others behalf. Racial injustice, abuse (emotional, physical, sexual), abortion, refugee plight, persecution, and other such evils call for urgent, immediate rescue.
Meekness can be likened unto karate. The student learns the martial arts and throughout his lessons he is taught restraint. He knows that he can overpower his adversary, yet he will do all he can to avoid confrontation.
We have the power of almighty God and yet we are called to use restraint. Meekness ain’t weakness.