The Beatitudes - Blessed Are The Meek
Blessed Are the Meek: Finding Strength Under Pressure
In a world that celebrates power, aggression, and dominance, Jesus offers a radically different perspective on what true strength looks like. The third Beatitude—"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth"—challenges our cultural assumptions about success and influence.
The Beatitudes aren't laws to follow but descriptions of what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. They show us what it looks like to reflect Jesus in our daily lives.
What Does Meekness Really Mean?
Meekness is often misunderstood as weakness, but nothing could be further from the truth. As Martyn Lloyd Jones puts it, "Meekness is essentially a true view of oneself expressing itself in attitude and conduct with respect to others."
This isn't about being a doormat. The Greek word for meekness (praus) was originally used to describe a powerful horse that had been trained to respond to the bridle—strength under control. It's about power that's channeled and directed by the Spirit of God rather than by self-interest.
Who Are Biblical Examples of Meekness?
Two individuals in Scripture stand out as examples of meekness:
Moses - Called "meek" in the Bible, he confronted Pharaoh and the superpower of Egypt. He guided over a million complaining people through the wilderness. That required tremendous strength under pressure.
Jesus Christ - The ultimate example of meekness. He stood against the greatest adversary and won—not through physical might but through sacrificial love. Jesus demonstrated perfect strength under control.
How Can I Practice Meekness in My Daily Life?
Meekness manifests in five practical ways:
When someone serves you, be considerate and courteous
Whether you're in a checkout line or at a restaurant, remember that you represent Christ. Show kindness and appreciation to those serving you, even when you're tired or impatient.
When someone disappoints you, be gentle and non-judgmental
It's easy to look down on others when they don't meet our expectations. Instead of harsh judgment, respond with gentleness. Remember Jesus' words about removing the log from your own eye before addressing the speck in someone else's.
When someone disagrees with you, practice humility
In our divisive world, disagreements can quickly become battlegrounds. Stand firm for truth, but do so with humility. Some battles aren't worth fighting, and others require "delicate surgery—steady hands, steady words, and steady emotions."
When someone corrects you, be teachable, not unreachable
None of us has it all together. When someone offers constructive criticism, listen carefully. As James advises, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
When someone hurts you, practice forgiveness, not revenge
This might be the hardest aspect of meekness. When we're hurt, our natural instinct is to retaliate. But as Booker T. Washington wisely said, "I will never allow another man to control or ruin my life by making me hate him."
Why Does Jesus Say the Meek Will Inherit the Earth?
This promise seems counterintuitive. In our world, it's the aggressive and powerful who seem to gain everything. But Jesus turns this upside down.
As co-heirs with Christ in the Kingdom of God, we are spiritually rich beyond measure. Like the protagonist in "The Ultimate Gift" who had to pass tests before receiving his inheritance, we're being prepared to handle the inheritance that is ours in Christ.
The meek—those who demonstrate strength under God's control—will ultimately inherit everything, not the bullies or those who grasp for power. As Jesus said, "Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
What Can We Learn from Jackie Robinson's Example?
Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color barrier in 1947 not just because he was talented, but because he was a Christian who understood meekness as strength under pressure. Branch Rickey, the general manager who signed him, specifically chose Robinson because of his faith.
Robinson faced terrible abuse and injustice but fought not with fists and fury but with love and long-suffering. His meekness—his controlled strength—helped change American society forever.
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you struggle with meekness. Perhaps you're quick to judge others, impatient with service workers, defensive when corrected, or holding onto resentment toward someone who hurt you.
Choose one specific situation and commit to responding with meekness—strength under God's control. Remember that you represent Christ in every interaction.
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time I responded with judgment rather than gentleness?
- How do I typically react when someone disagrees with me?
- Am I holding onto resentment that I need to release through forgiveness?
- In what ways might pride be preventing me from being teachable?
Remember, meekness isn't about being weak—it's about channeling your strength under God's direction. As you practice this countercultural virtue, you'll find yourself growing more like Christ and experiencing the freedom that comes from living under his control.