How to be a Fruity Christian (Part 20)

As we focus on being meek or gentle, let us examine the life of Jesus.  In Matthew 11:29, Jesus states from His own lips, "...for I am gentle and lowly in heart,..."   From Jesus' own words we know that this characteristic in Jesus' life is not a synonym for weakness, but rather strength under control.  In these verses, Jesus is reminding His children that there is plenty of room in his arms, and enough strength in His shoulders to help carry each of our burdens.  We serve a God who does not drive His children away, but longs to carry each one in His gentle arms.  Yet, this is the same Jesus who took a whip and drove the money changers out of that temple (Matt. 21:1-17).  It was this same Jesus who stretched those bloodied arms horizontally, across on old rugged cross for our sins.  And it will be this same meek Savior who will come back through the clouds, leading the armies of heaven behind Him, to bring judgment upon the wicked and set up His forever Kingdom on earth (Rev. 19). 

As you and I seek to follow Jesus' example of living a life of meekness, where do we begin?  First, we ought to develop a meek spirit (1 Peter 3:3-4), learning how to listen and obey God's will for our life.  Second, develop a meek tongue (Pr. 15:1-4; 25:11-15).  It is a gentle answer that does more good than a fierce reply.  Third, develop a meek presence.  This speaks of how we interact with others (1 Thess. 2:7; Gal. 6:1-2).  And last, work to develop a meek appetite.  God's Word commands us to purse meekness (1 Tim. 6:11), put on meekness (Col. 3:12), walk in meekness (Eph. 4:2), and display meekness (Titus 3:2).  It is only when Jesus Christ is ruling as Lord and Savior in our lives that makes it possible for meekness to fill our life.  Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.     

How to Be a Fruity Christian (Part 19)

Our world has gone crazy over, or are addicted to their cell phones.  A survey in 2009 found that 82% of Americans have a cell phone.  I would say that number must be 90% or more today.  In fact, out of 7 billion people in the world today, it has been estimated that over 3.4 billion own a cell phone.  Cell phones are everywhere and so are those ring tones.  The ring tone that I have on my phone today is "Every Praise" by Hezekiah Walker.  This wonderful song reminds me that in everything I should praise my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It would be safe to say that if I were able to hear your ring-tone, it would in some way reflect your personality or your heart.  The same can be said about the eighth fruit of the Sprit, meekness (or gentleness) is love's ring tone.

The word "meekness" often gets bad press as being another word for "weakness".  But the Bible is clear that meekness is not a bad word, but rather a strong word.  In the Old Testament, the word meekness is closely associated with humility (Prov. 15:33).  In Zeph. 2:3 to seek after meekness is to seek the Lord.  Meekness is listed with truth and righteousness, inward qualities of true strength (Ps. 45:4).  In the New Testament meekness means gentle, mild, or an inward grace of the soul.  When Jesus stated, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5), He was not taking about cowards but those whose inward strength is under control.  Jesus, who is described as being "meek", was not a coward or a wimp, but rather knew best how to control his emotions and actions when facing difficult situations.  To be truly meek or gentle is a direct reflection of how much work we are allowing the Holy Spirit to do in our lives.  The more gentle we are in our interactions with each other, the less stress we will have in our lives.  Until next time, keep walking close with Christ.