Blessed are the Meek

Matthew 5:5 NIV “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Some secular thinkers have labeled our American culture as the “me first” culture.  This is a nation of citizens who are (too often) looking out for themselves--seeking an advantage over their neighbors.  Vulnerability is viewed as weakness.  Honestly is viewed as pitifully dumb.  Self-sacrifice is viewed with suspicion.  Some people find it hard to understand why someone would do something kind to another.  “What’s their angle?” They ask.

The mantra of the meek comes from Philippians 2:3,4. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  This is what it means to be meek.  Only the ignorant would consider this to be a sign of weakness.  It takes great strength, personal integrity and Godly character to be selfless.

The next time you continue to argue to prove your point—the next time you insist on having your way—the next time you “strong arm” someone into doing something that they don’t want to do—the next time you defend your actions (even when you know deep down inside that you were wrong)…consider the blessing of being meek.  People may actually “like” you.  Your friends may feel that they are blessed by being associated with you.  Your family may feel that they can’t live without having you around.  When it’s all said and done, the meek make life on this planet bearable for the rest of us.