Last week's discussion of meekness left a few questions in our minds, so we took up where we'd left off.
Is meekness really just a role to be played?
Romans considered meekness an act. They were apparently so convinced that everyone was pushing his or her own agenda that any sign of humility had to be false.
Instead, Jesus told His followers to stop promoting themselves. We should give up self-control of our lives in favor of Spirit-control. By trusting God to lead us, we no longer have to defend our positions in the world. This kind of meekness is not false humility.
However, in the Christ-like life, as in any other part of life, it is sometimes appropriate to "act a part" as we're beginning a new phase. But our motivation has to be that this role is our true aim. For example, some of us deliberately smile when someone cuts us off in traffic. It is a deliberate pretense, because we are not really pleased. But we know that this is not the end of the world, and that we are called to forgive even traffic offenses against us. By the act of smiling, we are reminded that we shouldn't let someone else's carelessness ruin our day. Pretty soon, the pretense has become reality; we really have forgiven the offender and decided not to dwell on it any more.
Does meekness mean that we should have no self-confidence?
Actually, Christians are called to have a "right estimate of themselves." As we learn to see ourselves more honestly, that is, from God's perspective, we are going to become meek. Knowing that we are acting as God wants us to really leads to a much deeper self-assurance.
A related question is whether we can be "proud" of any accomplishments. The Bible itself promises all sorts of rewards to those who follow God's ways, so there must be some legitimate way of receiving God's commendation. We need to distinguish between "I must be a wonderful person to have done this" and "I am glad to have been used by God to do this."
We suggested that meekness is what's left over when pride and selfish ambition have been dropped. Meekness may be a matter of putting "first things first." When God's priorities become our goal, meekness is the natural result.
C. S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, put it this way:
Do not imagine that if you meet a really humble man he will be what most people call "humble" nowadays: he will not be a sort of greasy, smarmy person, who is always telling you that, of course, he is nobody. Probably all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. If you do dislike him it will be because you feel a little envious of anyone who seems to enjoy life so easily. He will not be thinking about humility: he will not be thinking about himself at all.
Finally, What does it mean to "inherit the earth"?
Our answers centered on freedom. We are not under bondage to be or to do anything.
[Dale's thoughts as he was writing the blog: This freedom is hard to explain to those who think that Christianity is a new set of rules to follow. But those who follow the Spirit know that Jesus was right: His yoke is easy, His burden is light. When we get past "I need to be good" and start living "I like pleasing God," the bondage disappears.]
Further, the possibilities for our life start opening up. If we think in terms of influence, it becomes limitless. We have been blessed so that we can bless others. God shows us places for service that we hadn't suspected before. The example of Mother Teresa was given. By focusing on the task God gave her, she became an example to the entire world.
At the end of the class, another good question was raised: How do meek people confront others?
We asked about the motivation for confronting. Do we want to encourage dialog, or to incite? Are we approaching the situation from a position of power, of weakness, or of equality? Are we focused on relationships or on rights?
But there wasn't enough time to follow this through, so we'll pick it up next class session.
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