Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
The meek are the opposite of aggressive, demanding and self-serving people. They claim duties, not rights. Meekness is not weakness or being spineless, rather, it is the power to control oneself. Moses is called the meekest man on earth (Numbers 12: 3) yet he was not spineless nor weak, but a capable (if unwilling) leader. He withstood constant threats to his leadership from the people of Israel and he also stood firm as intercessor for these people when God tired of them and threatened to destroy them. Moses may have feared both God and the people, but he also accepted that God gave him a task to accomplish. He never claimed a divine right to his authority, never used his chosen position to his own advantage, but served God and the people in meekness. Though he was meek, he was not governed by fear.
God also spoke to Abraham promising an inheritance of land and a lasting legacy through his descendants. Yet, when his nephew Lot disputed with him over possessing territory, he exercised meekness by allowing Lot to choose first what lands he wanted and Lot, not afraid to be selfish, choose the best land. Knowing his inheritance was from the Lord, not from Lot’s choice, Abraham resolutely accepted Lot’s decision without complaint (meekly!). God promised Abraham a blessing and Abraham knew that no choice of his nephew could take away that blessing. The power was in Abraham’s hands to choose the best land, but he chooses meekness instead, trusting God to fulfill His promises.
Abraham demonstrates that meekness is freedom from malice or a vengeful spirit. The meek do not seek advantage over others even when they are in the right. The meek do not rub their blessings in the faces of others. Meekness is revealed in us when we accept correction from others, but even more so when we don’t demand everything to go our way or to benefit ourselves.
The Serenity Prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous is a prayer of meekness and yet of Power:
O Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
Fraternized 