“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” – Jesus (Matthew 5:5) (Beatitude #3)
Meek does not mean “wimp.”
It means … genuine … not self-inflated … avoiding violent or forceful solutions to problems … open and honest … accepting of one’s own strengths and weaknesses … disciplined … power under control … respectful of others.
Going back to Day 1 of our series, the Beatitudes began with deciding to embrace humility and to ask God to direct our life … (1st Beatitude). Next, we realize that God accepts us we are, but also wants us to develop into our best self. So, we step forward by letting go of our old selfish ways, even though the process will involve grief … (2nd Beatitude).
Now we are ready to just be who we are, as God created us. We can appreciate our uniqueness. We can stop the self-criticism, stop the obsession with seeking approval from others, and simply be satisfied with things as they are. We can honestly say, “I like being who I am. It makes me smile to think that God created me a certain way for a reason. He wanted me in His world for a unique purpose. I am not a mistake. I don’t have to fight to earn the right to be here. I am the me that is supposed to be.” This is what it means to be meek … genuine … satisfied. (3rd Beatitude)
When I reached this realization, I finally relaxed. As a teenager and young adult, I had been afraid that I might be flawed and unacceptable. But that constant haunting feeling that I was defective and needed to fight my way upward went away when I fully embraced my acceptance. The essence of meekness is that I know God loves me, and I don’t have to struggle to prove anything. Nor do I need to always feel hurt or get offended by criticism. I am me, and that is good.
To get things right with God is not so much about worrying that we must change ourselves to become acceptable to him, as it is to be at peace and receive his love. Then we can go about pursuing our purpose in life one day at a time.
What does it mean that the meek “inherit the earth”? Your inheritance, your earth is the sphere of influence that God gave to you. It includes family, neighbors, fellow believers, strangers, career, community, whatever you touch. Jesus is saying to you that as a meek, genuine, peaceful person, you are to “take charge” of your sphere of influence as your inheritance … to saturate your territory with love, joy, hope, and peace so that it radiates and touches others, and to let others see the new you, the real you.
Having started with humility and then releasing those things that hold you back, you are ready to live more fully. You can use your gifts and talents; you can love and mentor your family; you can have a positive effect in your workplace, your church, your circle of connections. You have been set free to make a difference, to use your “world” and your “gifts” to leave a legacy.
Being meek or genuine is the launch pad to a great future full of adventure and fulfillment.
Be blessed!
Chaplain Mark
If you have not read the previous steps of the Beatitudes, you should go back and catch up. We are discussing the faith journey toward Christian maturity as described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
The Beatitudes … Matthew 5:2-10 (NRSV)
2 Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
I love this series!!!
“… to saturate your territory with love, joy, hope, and peace so that it radiates and touches others, and to let others see the new you, the real you.” Mark, this is such a beautifully stated goal. Thanks!