We were fortunate to have a ministry called the UCOG Child Development Center while I pastored in Union, SC. It is a ministry that has transformed a lot of children's lives since it's inception. Yes, it is a daycare and kindergarten program, and for most pastors, ministries like this are more trouble than they are worth. What makes this ministry so unique is the Director, Mr. Rick Boulware. Rick is probably one of the most humble people that you will ever meet and has a spirit of meekness you have to have to be servant of God and people. He knows how to be firm when he has to, but it's his spirit of meekness that has made this ministry work and be a support for other ministries of the UCOG. He is one fine Christian gentlemen in every sense of the word and I am glad to say he is my friend.
The Greek word translated “meek” is "praeis" and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility. Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. It is having the right or the power to do something, but refraining from it for the benefit of someone else. Paul urged meekness in Ephesians 4:1, 2 when he told us “to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Jesus is the model of meekness. Paul said in his letter to the church at Philippi 2:6–8 that “[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross!”
The Greek word translated “meek” is "praeis" and refers to mildness, gentleness of spirit, or humility. Meekness is humility toward God and toward others. It is having the right or the power to do something, but refraining from it for the benefit of someone else. Paul urged meekness in Ephesians 4:1, 2 when he told us “to live a life worthy of the calling we have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Jesus is the model of meekness. Paul said in his letter to the church at Philippi 2:6–8 that “[Jesus], being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death-even death on a cross!”
Being in the very nature God, Jesus had the right to do whatever He wanted, but, for our sake, He submitted to death on a cross. That is the ultimate display of meekness. We as believers are called to share the gospel message in gentleness and meekness. Peter instructs us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” The KJV translates the word for “gentleness” here as “meekness.”
If you know Christ as your personal Savior you are growing in meekness. It may seem counterintuitive, but Jesus’ promise stands as he preached in Matthew 5. A meek person will be happy, blessed, and fulfilled. Living in humility and being willing to forego your rights for the benefit of someone else models the attitude of Jesus Christ. Great leaders are still great servants. They remember where they came from and don't let their egos rule over them because they think they have arrived. Meekness helps them to more effectively share the gospel message with others.
Striving for power and prestige is not the path to blessedness, but meekness is. Thinking you are somebody special and acting that way will interfere with eternal blessings, but a spirit of meekness will create an eternal inheritance. Acting one way in church and living another way on the outside leads to confusion, but walking the walk leads men and women to God. Never forget it's the meek who inherit the earth!
If you know Christ as your personal Savior you are growing in meekness. It may seem counterintuitive, but Jesus’ promise stands as he preached in Matthew 5. A meek person will be happy, blessed, and fulfilled. Living in humility and being willing to forego your rights for the benefit of someone else models the attitude of Jesus Christ. Great leaders are still great servants. They remember where they came from and don't let their egos rule over them because they think they have arrived. Meekness helps them to more effectively share the gospel message with others.
Striving for power and prestige is not the path to blessedness, but meekness is. Thinking you are somebody special and acting that way will interfere with eternal blessings, but a spirit of meekness will create an eternal inheritance. Acting one way in church and living another way on the outside leads to confusion, but walking the walk leads men and women to God. Never forget it's the meek who inherit the earth!
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