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Taken from Part I: The Beatitudes

BLESSED ARE THE MEEK

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." – Matthew 5:5

As Fox points out, this Beatitude "seems to be obviously contradicted by the plain facts of everyday life.  No sensible person on looking about the world or studying history could sincerely accept this saying at its face value, and most honest Christians have passed it by in practice with a regretful feeling that no doubt that is how things ought to be, but that they certainly are not so in fact" (page 26).

 Despite the apparent contradiction, Fox refers to this verse as among the half-dozen most important verses in the Bible, and he challenges others to incorporate it into their lives.  If we succeed, we "inherit the earth."  Fox understands "the earth" in this verse as actually referring to our entire outer experience; thus, to "inherit the earth" is to be masters of our own lives and destinies.

 What Is Meekness?

 Certainly, the word meek, as we understand it, has a very different meaning today than the Hebrew equivalent, anaw, which refers to those who remain faithful to God and rely on God to guide and deliver them. The Greek word, praus, suggests a quiet discipline and steadfastness. Think of the tortoise in the story of the tortoise and the hare.

 Meekness, Fox suggests, is a mental attitude that includes a perfect willingness to allow the will of God to come about in whatever way divine wisdom considers best. Although the meek may include those who can’t defend themselves, the real litmus test of meekness is the willful decision not to fight back. Meekness demands submission to authority and obedience to God.

 Some may regard meekness, in this sense, as naivete or foolishness, but it most certainly cannot be considered cowardly. Jesus' perfect embodiment of meekness led to the cross, and many faithful followers have met similar fates.

 Mighty, Emotionally Stable, Educable, Kind

 Robert Schuller (of Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power TV fame) offers a less daunting, albeit still challenging, analysis of meekness. In his book 'The Be-Happy Attitudes,' Schuller uses the word "MEEK" as an acronym for mighty, emotionally stable, educable, and kind to explain how meekness can contribute to happiness and fulfillment.

 • Mighty. The meek, Schuller says, are mighty in the sense that they possess the quiet, inner strength to persist in the face of obstacles. This kind of might comes from control, discipline, and courage. He cites the example of Linda Down, a victim of cerebral palsy since birth, who in 1982 completed the 26.2-mile New York Marathon on crutches.

 • Emotionally Stable. The meek also are emotionally stable. They keep their poise in the midst of distractions and pressure, and they resist temptations that could drain them physically, financially, and morally. They have their ups and downs, but they persist, refusing to let the "down" times derail them from their purpose.

 • Educable. The meek are educable in the sense that they don’t have a superior, know-it-all attitude that prevents them from learning from others and adapting. Their humility allows plenty of "elbow room" for growth in their lives. The meek listen to others. When they make mistakes, instead of becoming defensive or making excuses, they learn from their errors and go on.

 • Kindness. A key to meekness is the recognition of the value and sacredness of our spiritual brothers and sisters. This reverence for others, a reverence for life, nurtures kindness. Kindness, Schuller says, is a counterbalance that prevents the mighty from becoming ruthless, the emotionally stable from becoming cold and hard, and the educable from becoming arrogant.

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  To purchase Part I of "Sermon on the Mount, Primer for Spiritual Growth," click here.

   To purchase Part II of "Sermon on the Mount, Primer for Spiritual Growth," click here.

   Or, search the "Religion & Spirituality category on the Our Mail Network Web site.