We've all heard that, right, but it seems and sounds like the word "not" should be capitalized! Maybe stamping our foot to emphasize the difference? Well, since we've been told what it isn't, what is it? We know it isn't weakness, nor is it self-proclaimed martyrdom, nor is it described as "being a doormat." Meekness is not being a never tiring sounding board, nor is it taking the whipping when someone else has caused the problem. Last but not least in the definition is my own style of faux meekness: stoic doormat, waiting for the room to clear and the door to close . . . Now that we've narrowed it down to what meekness is not, what is it to be meek?
The definition of meekness is humble in spirit. Humble has many definitions that seem deprecating, and in the flesh that seems defeating, but the reality is, it takes the realization of your own short comings to do the two things meekness requires. A humble spirit is neither prideful nor vain. Humble and meek can almost be used interchangeably. Meekness as a fruit of the spirit means we cannot of ourselves produce "it." Humble is a state of "being," like peace. The second thing the realization reveals is that you see about yourself the places the enemy will be aiming or the flesh will fail.
Meekness is not an easy thing for me to understand. By nature in the flesh, I already mentioned, I tend to be a stoic doormat until I've had enough, then the doormat hits the door or expects the one who has treated me in that fashion to be moving right along . . . and don't look back. I've had some really hard lessons about meekness in the past few years and after much prayer and seeking, I am finally gaining an understanding, not in what I can do, but rather in what I need to surrender and stop doing.
For a long time, I truly did think meekness just meant giving someone else their way while recusing myself, or listening endlessly to complaints or accepting hurt or rejection without showing emotion. I have listened to countless hours of complaints and grumblings, only to make an offer of advice to then be told, "It's not about you, you just obviously don't understand . . ." Perhaps that is true. If only they'd began the lengthy diatribe with that information, I could have saved us both a great deal of time! So what can I do to truly walk in the fruit of the spirit of meekness and change me in the situation?
It is the Spirit of our Creator that must change us, we cannot change ourselves. We can only choose to desire His Way. The only thing I can change about me, is to long for His Way over my own. In that decision, I move from desire to yielded. We can say we want something, but we must be willing to change before we are open to accepting change.
As someone who does try to show compassion, I've had to realize many people are not seeking a solution, or at least not the one I'm offering. I've realized in my "patient listening" I've actually missed the opportunity to meekly lead them to YHWH's solution, early on. In that missed timing, I've established myself to be the sounding board, or in most cases leads to the doormat. I've appeared to them to have nothing more to do than listen to them, and that hasn't helped them or me. People with problems need compassion, people who are searching need direction, at least light, but people who talk endlessly about a situation without moving do not need a doormat. Actually, they have proven they can't just wipe their feet and get moving, so a doormat is really the worst thing in the world for them. Besides, if I'm leading them to YHWH, the doormat missionary is unnecessary. People do not need to rehash their own thoughts aloud, endlessly, therefore they do not need an endless audience to avail themselves. For answers and direction, people need YHWH and they need to be moving toward Him, immediately. A missionary a minister, needs to be heading people to holy ground. Shoes are prohibited, thus no doormat required when one gets to the holy ground.
Two Scriptures came to me as I pondered my own fleshly longsuit which is actually a shortcoming in this area. The flesh truly does war against the spirit. I'm not a good listener because YHWH has gifted me in that area. I try to be a good listener because I've always felt nobody really cared how I felt. Well, true or not, that's still based in the flesh and a negative emotional platform . . . to try to produce spiritual fruit. That simply won't happen.
Proverbs 18:2, tells us, one who continues to be interested in expounding only on their own opinion, is a fool. I can't even imagine the low definition of one who continues to avail themselves to listen to that prattle. Galatians 5:17 tells us the flesh opposes the spirit. Jeremiah concurs in call the human heart, wicked. So, we need the Spirit of YHWH for genuine pure results. We simply cannot do it on our own. And meekness is impossible to fake or simulate! False humility is genuinely the act of an arrogant fool.
One of the most practical examples of meekness is not needing the last word, and accepting the last word that was spoken without over analyzing it. I'm not suggesting we turn off our intelligence to be meek, but rather meekness just move on to more important matters. We can't see another person's heart or motives and we may find we are actually projecting our own intent, into the analysis of others. The meek present themselves before YHWH for analysis and act upon His direction. Those operating the fruit of the spirit of meekness do not ruminate. Consider Y'hshuwah in all his dealings with people. He was the perfect example of meekness, and he didn't spend too much time debating or listening to "woe as me."
The more I seek to produce this particular fruit of the Spirit, the more I value the passage that says, "Be still and know that I am G-d." I've learned a lot about meekness on Facebook. There are so many times the "Like" button is more than enough said. I've gained a great deal of respect for those who don't always offer a comment. I know in my young walk, I was sure I had to offer a Scripture or "identify" with everything being said, but as HE is maturing me, I am realizing every situation does not need a comment from me.
Meekness is accepting the situation for what it is, without expecting others to work around you.
Meekness is sometimes even knowing you're right, but realizing you don't need to prove it.
Meekness is wanting to hear YHWH more than wanting your own voice to be heard.
Meekness is also being aware that not everyone talking actually wants to participate in a dialogue. Many are content in a monologue with audience.
Meekness is realizing you'd rather G-d be glorified than to have the last word.
Meekness is realizing YHWH will have the last word and HE's big enough to speak for Himself!
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Beatitudes Matthew 5
If we could attain meekness, we'd just lose it by being proud of our accomplishment!
