What Does It Mean To Be "Meek?" Who must be meek?

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by iceniez

I think the bible says something about Moses being the meekest man on earth . Kind of makes one think about what God's definition of meekness is.

Moses had been through a lot of experiences over the course of a lot of years when God called him "meek." Life has a way of humbling people.

[iceniez]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Moses had been through a lot of experiences over the course of a lot of years when God called him "meek." Life has a way of humbling people.

True , Lord Jesus have mercy on me.

[BeenThinkin]

Is "meekness" something we cut on and cut off, at will?

There are those individuals who are quick to proclaim what you must "do" and must "not do" to be saved; and proclaim it with vengeance and a harsh spirit. Where is meekness?

One poster yesterday came on to one of the threads with both barrels blazing in an ugly and ferocious manner. More than one response referenced the attitude of said poster. Is this important? Was this a reflection of "meekness" or "meanness?" Does this in fact have to do with how "those from without" view us?

Is meekness as important as "holiness?"

• 1Co 4:21* What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
• 2Co 10:1* Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
• Ga 5:23* Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
• Ga 6:1* Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
• Eph 4:2* With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
• Col 3:12* Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
• 1Ti 6:11* But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
• 2Ti 2:25* In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
• Tit 3:2* To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
• Jas 1:21* Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
• Jas 3:13* Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
• 1Pe 3:15* But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Is this subject worthy of all of our consideration?

Just thinkin...
BT

[RandyWayne]

It helps to think of meek as the same as humble. I know many humble people who are as tough as nails (think Jack Palance). I also know many who are also humble but as timid as little kitty cats.

[mfblume]

Is "meekness" something we cut on and cut off, at will?

The beattitudes mention meekness amongst other things by saying, "Blessed are the..."

I think these are states of being ("BE-attitudes") that we cannot make ourselves "be". These are things the Spirit of God works into us. But that is not to say we cannot seek God to cause us to become these. In fact, that is the reason I believe Jesus mentioned them. We are to seek God to cause us to become these types of people after recognizing that God desires this in us.

[iceniez]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

It helps to think of meek as the same as humble. I know many humble people who are as tough as nails (think Jack Palance). I also know many who are also humble but as timid as little kitty cats.

Not boastful but confident . Maybe , convince in what God can do and all glory goes to him.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by iceniez

Not boastful but confident . Maybe , convince in what God can do and all glory goes to him.

And 'tough' as well. Someone who won't start a fight over a personal insult but will jump in with both fists flying and both feet kicking if someone attacks a family member.

[iceniez]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

And 'tough' as well. Someone who won't start a fight over a personal insult but will jump in with both fists flying and both feet kicking if someone attacks a family member.

I agree.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by BeenThinkin

Is "meekness" something we cut on and cut off, at will?

There are those individuals who are quick to proclaim what you must "do" and must "not do" to be saved; and proclaim it with vengeance and a harsh spirit. Where is meekness?

One poster yesterday came on to one of the threads with both barrels blazing in an ugly and ferocious manner. More than one response referenced the attitude of said poster. Is this important? Was this a reflection of "meekness" or "meanness?" Does this in fact have to do with how "those from without" view us?

Is meekness as important as "holiness?"

• 1Co 4:21* What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
• 2Co 10:1* Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
• Ga 5:23* Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
• Ga 6:1* Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
• Eph 4:2* With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
• Col 3:12* Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
• 1Ti 6:11* But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
• 2Ti 2:25* In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
• Tit 3:2* To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
• Jas 1:21* Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
• Jas 3:13* Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
• 1Pe 3:15* But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Is this subject worthy of all of our consideration?

Just thinkin...
BT

Absolutely, it's worthy of consideration. Meekness is a fruit of the spirit, but so is love, joy, peace, gentleness.... I think we can agree that people who don't have the Spirit can be loving, joyful, peaceful or gentle--and they can be meek. So to that end, I don't think it's true that only Christians can be meek, but I do think it's true that meekness is a fruit of the Spirit, ergo, if you're a Christian, you must be meek. (Or else you can be judged by the world for your lack of fruit.)

I've heard meekness described as "strength restrained." Look at Jesus during his crucifixion for instance. Scripture says that He could have called down angels--but He didn't. That's meekness. It's being gentle and humble instead of using the strength you have to a negative outcome. If you're already weak, then it isn't meekness to act weak. You don't have any strength to begin with. However, if you're a 250 lb. weight lifter, and someone makes you mad, and you keep your fists at your side instead of clocking them--that's meekness.

Mr. Steinway said that meekness isn't weakness, and he's right--but sometimes meekness can be perceived as weakness by people who don't understand self-control or restraint. Not defending yourself against attack, (verbal or otherwise) can lead others to believe you're weak, even if you have the ability to defend yourself and choose not to. In that case, you have to choose to care more about what God thinks than what man thinks.

As for the dynamic of posting on these threads--saying that someone came in with "guns blazing" is fairly subjective. We're talking about 100% words here, and we can't see facial expression or hear tone of voice. Sometimes people get upset and cross lines, (me included) but most of the time it's best to just take posts at face value and not get too upset. A few weeks ago, I got all twisted up in knots over the "Holiness Swimwear" thread. That thread (certain posts in particular) really got the best of me. I actually had to back off the forum for a few days, it made me so mad. Was that poster being gentle or humble with his posts? No way! Should I have been so easily offended? No.

So yes, we should be meek, and we should also try not to be offended. It's a two-way street for Christians. My mother used to remind me often that "a soft answer turns away wrath." As Christians, we have an obligation to control our actions, and also to control our reactions. Neither one is easy.

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Mr. Steinway

Meekness is not weakness.

Amen!

Falla39