What does it mean to be meek?

"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." - Matthew 5:6

In our modern times the word 'Meek' has sadly come to mean: A doormat. Or someone who is spineless, or subservient or even passive. But surely it means more than this? 

It was Aristotle who used the Greek word ‘praus’ (from which we get the word meekness) to describe the happy medium between ‘extreme anger’ and ‘being excessively passive.” He had the habit of defining every virtue by comparing 2 extremes and then resting in the middle of the two in a ‘happy medium.”   

So then, we could paraphrase Matthew 5:6 with these words: “Blessed is the person who is always angry at the right time, and never angry at the wrong time.”

The other usage of the word ‘praus’ is the same as to speak of an animal that has been domesticated - for example, think of a Stallion. It is an animal that has learnt to accept control from its owner, but it also has the power to cause harm if let loose. 

I guess, the main idea behind the word “meek” was strength under control - so, it is therefore not ‘weaknesses at all.

Thought: How does this sit with you? Do you find it easy to find this perfect balance?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Planting in the soil of Contemplation

Meister Eckhart once remarked: "What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action." 

This time of the year has always been a time of contemplation for many of us. In reality, we must make a conscious effort to slow down, or else our opportunity to reflect could be taken from us. Contemplation is both a discipline and a choice. When we allow God the space to speak into the stillness of our lives, many of these seeds will bear fruit later in our lives.

2 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Aristotle added his thoughts to this discussion: "The ultimate value of life depends upon awareness and the power of contemplation rather than upon mere survival."

As you reflect on all that has gone before you, and contemplate the future, my God be very near to you.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The bitter taste of Wormwood

When trying to teach a young person some pearls of wisdom it is always good to use 'word-pictures' that hopefully stick in their minds. Solomon is a master at this and in today's unique lesson, on the pit-falls of adultery, he uses two very clear, contrasting images to bring his point across.

"For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey,
And her mouth is smoother than oil;
⁴ But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword.
⁵ Her feet go down to death,Her steps lay hold of hell." - Proverbs 5:3-5

He tells the young men that chasing after pleasures (he uses women as an example in this passage as often it was just the men who were taught in religious schools) is going to end up being a bitter experience. 

In fact, if we look at these verses again we will see that the words he chooses bring this great contrast to light:

Honey (sweet to taste) versus Wormwood (which is a bitter herb)
Smooth versus Sharp 

These wise words are here to teach all of us that in pursuing things that 'look good', we may fall into a trap of disappointment and hurt in the long run.

"Educating the mind, without educating the heart is no wisdom at all." - Aristotle

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Knowing yourself

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." - Aristotle

Being self aware is such a rare thing nowadays. Either people are so full of themselves or so critical of themselves, that they can't strike a balance. I know that the older I get, the more I understand about myself, but I have a long way to go yet. 

In my opinion, the more we are honest with ourselves and come to understand who were are, the more open we should be to receive Jesus. When we understand our weaknesses, sins and need of a Saviour, then we are in the right space to call out to God.

Even if you are still struggling to know yourself, turn to the One who knows you better than anyone else.

Psalm 139:1 - You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

We are ...

Ever wondered why some people are just better at certain things than we are? It may even seem unfair at times, but if you look at the quote from Aristotle you will see that he reckons it has to do with habitual discipline. Obviously, if someone is a good sportsman or an actress, they have a large amount of god-given talent, but most of these people spend hours, months and years honing their skills.

"We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle

If we take the premise of this thought, it could imply that we can become better Biblical scholars, prayer warriors, youth leaders, worship leaders, musicians, and disciples of Christ, if we habitually spent more time on these areas. I am not sure how you feel about this, but on some levels it makes complete sense to me.

As an example, the only way I will ever understand more about the Bible is if I am committed to reading it, studying it and learning from others. This takes a deliberate discipline and an act that I am willing to following through with.

What is God asking me to spend more time refining, so that I can be 'excellent' for his Kingdom?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Where does your bitterness drive you?

Aristotle once defined BITTERNESS as "the resentful spirit that refuses reconciliation." 

We have all experienced moments of pain and hurt before - many of these occasions have led to us seek revenge, even if this has only played out in our minds. The trouble with this resentful spirit is that it moves us further and further away from reconciliation.

It is of DEEP significance for all of us Christ-followers, that our Saviour never allowed his wounds to drive him away from humanity, but rather to move him closer to his enemies. This is why Paul was able to boldly declare:

Ephesians 4:31 - "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander..."

Where does your bitterness lead you to?

Living in Grace
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Stir up some courage

"...he will stir up his strength and courage." - Daniel 11:25

When we face tough situations in life we need the Spirit of God to stir up our strength and courage. Perhaps our courage lies dormant, next to our other emotions like fear, worry and joy - we just need the hand of God to stir up those emotions so that our strength and courage can rise to the surface.

"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour." -Aristotle

Living in Grace

D3LM3