The book definition of meekness states that “it is an attribute of human nature and behavior. It has been defined several ways: righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering.”
As a Christian, meekness is an attribute of a true disciple. The Apostle Paul gave us an example of meek behavior when he was writing to Timothy. “The servant of the Lord must be gentle, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose.”
The third Beatitude states, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the Earth.”
As a 9th grader, who lives in suburban Philadelphia in 2016, I find this hard to wrap my head around. We live in a time of constant bombardment of social media. Everyone in this day and age is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, Sharing bits and pieces of their daily lives. In doing so, it is very easy for us all to inflate our own self-estimation, and get caught up in presenting ourselves to the world the way we want to be seen.
To be meek is to accept our strengths and limitations for what they truly are, instead of constantly trying to portray ourselves in the best possible light. I believe that Jesus had a servant’s heart. He performed miracles all over town, but never inflated his self-image.
He did not deny his ability to perform miracles. He used his powers for the benefit of all people.
Jesus and Lazarus didn’t take a selfie and post it on Instagram after he was raised form the dead #raisemup
Possessing a servants heart, just like Jesus, is the second aspect of meekness. We as Christians can exercise our own power for the benefit of all people, not just ourselves. As we gather in this church on this, the 15th anniversary of September 2001, let us be reminded how Americans came together in a time of devastating sorrow.
I have never lived in a world where there was no “September 11th.” My mom was home on bed-rest while she was carrying me, and watching the horror of that day unfold on live television. I know that both my parents wondered what kind of world they were bringing children into. I am a teenager in this world, where we hear about terrorism and violence on a daily basis, where one tragedy is more unspeakable than the next. It is easy to wonder, “how does God play into all of this?”
I am thankful that I am a child of God, and I trust that all things come to us, through him, and for a great purpose. We may not know what it is yet, but God has graced us all with special talents, so that we can make the world a better place.
Psalm 37 begins with, “Do not fret because of the wicked,” and ends with, “The meek shall inherit the land.” I think this means we do not seek to avenge the wrongs done against us and instead use whatever power we have to serve others.
From the sorrows of our hearts, and all that was lost that day, we all walk closer with the Lord. If we are on this walk with Jesus, can we really feel vengeful over the sins of others?
Let us strive to be meek, so that we can focus our energies on what is truly important – family, love, hope, and faith.
