From my book Heart to Heart, a reminder that we are called to be meek, not weak, and an exploration of what that actually means in practice.
Read
Blessed are the meek; the earth is their inheritance. Matthew 5:5
Reflect
‘Gentle Jesus, meek and mild’ – for many that sums up their idea of Jesus and Christians, and it’s definitely not an idea they want to be associated with. I can’t blame them, for who would! If discipleship means being taken advantage of, treated like a doormat, enduring whatever is thrown at us with barely a whimper, then no thank you. But that’s not at all what we see in Jesus. In him, rather, we see someone in control of his own destiny, willingly walking the way of the cross, exhibiting courage and determination that most of us can only dream of. His meekness lay solely in his total obedience and commitment to God. There is nothing weak or timid about such meekness – indeed, we may fairly ask if any of us has what it takes to display such a quality, for it may frequently be costly and demanding, asking more of us than we feel able to give. Yet if we are ready to honour God’s will, he will honour us in turn, giving us the strength to do whatever he asks of us.
Pray
Lord,
save me from meekness as the world sees it:
from a spirit of timidity and indecision,
an attitude of compliance and cowardice,
a character perceived as spineless,
submissive,
subservient.
Grant me, instead, true meekness:
a willingness to trust in your purpose
and obey your commands,
to respond to your guidance and step out in faith.
Isn’t that what discipleship should mean:
being ready to speak out against wrong
and stand up against evil,
to take on a challenge and venture into the unknown,
meeting obstacles, difficulties and disappointments,
yet, if it is your will,
persevering to the end,
risking all if necessary?
I don’t want to be a caricature, Lord,
the sort of person who confirms the view
most people have of Christians and the Church,
and I don’t believe you want that either.
So my prayer today is simply this:
grant me meekness,
not weakness!
Amen.