The Lord has a lot to say about humility and meekness. In the Bible we are given role models for humility and meekness. In Numbers 12:3 the Bible says that Moses was the meekest person on the earth. It is hard to imagine Moses parting the Red Sea and yet still being meek. Moses recognized where the power really came from. The power came not from himself, but from God. In Philippians 2: 6-8, Paul tells us that Jesus, in total humility, chose the cross - for us!
The World Doesn't Value Humility And Meekness
In the world, humility and meekness are not valued. In fact we are constantly told how we should elevate ourselves above others. We are told we should shout our accomplishments to the world. In Romans 12:3 Paul says,
" For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."
God provides for us, it is He who gives us the ability to perform those accomplishments. He allows us to be successful, He is our hope and when we fail He helps us to learn to rely more on Him.
Humility Is...
What is humility? It is putting others interests ahead of ourselves. It is an absence of pride. A humble person doesn't have to announce their good deeds. A humble person doesn't have to say "I did this and I did that" to feel good. The greatest blessing is to do a kind act for someone and never tell anyone. In Matthew 6:2 Jesus tells us to do our good deeds quietly and without fanfare. We are not supposed to seek earthly honor. If we do He says we have already received our full reward.
I often think of the famous industrialist Andrew Carnegie (as in Carnegie Hall in New York City). Carnegie in his latter years was a famous philanthropist. He gave away the majority of his fortune before he died. But each library he built, each concert hall, each endeavor had his name prominently displayed. Mr. Carnegie wanted people to know who gave the money. He had his reward.
Meekness Is...
What is meekness? It is a gentleness of spirit. It is a person who endures offenses patiently, who has a controlled strength. Meekness isn't weakness. When we're weak we can't do anything. When we are meek we have chosen not to do something. Meekness doesn't mean that you allow yourselves to be run over. That's the definition of the world. Meekness acknowledges that we don't know everything. We don't know someone else's heart. Only God knows. Peter tells us in I Peter 3:15 that we should share the gospel with "meekness and respect".
We Are Not Like The World
In Philippians 2:3 Paul says that we should esteem others as better than ourselves. That doesn't sound much like what the world is telling us does it? Our Lord expects us have humility and meekness on our journey with hope. He expects us to be different.
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