Having a Kingdom Attitude 3

Today we are continuing our journey through the Beatitudes and will focus our attention on Matthew 5:5 that reads, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." The teaching of Jesus emphasis a new way of living for those who call themselves followers of Christ. The attitudes laid out in each verse describe the attitude of the residents of heaven. So when we carry a "Kingdom Attitude" as a Christian, you can guarantee yourself "a less stressed life".

What does it mean to be meek? Most associate the work "meek" with "weak", but this is not the Bible's definition of meekness. In the Greek, the word "meek" means mild, gentle, a soft disposition. Meekness is an inward grace of the soul and is a quality that only God can give. This word was used by the Greeks when describing a horse that had been broken. So in other words, meekness is "power under God"; more importantly, "power under God's control". Meekness is simply letting the Holy Spirit lead your life. Often, we as Christians act more like a bull than we do a horse that has been broken. The bull is stubborn and does not want to be ridden, so he bucks anyone who tries to control him. A horse that has been broken can be calm and gentle until called upon to ride into battle or race. The same is with the Christian when we allow God's power (the Holy Spirit), to led us. Our example from Scripture is John 1:19-37 when we look at the life of John the Baptist. His meek attitude was a reflection of an inward quality that followed three principles: First, he realized who he truly was in Christ. He knew his job was not about exalting his ministry, but rather exalting His Savior. Second, he accepted the position Christ had called him to. Unlike uncle Rico in Napoleon Dynamite, John the Baptist was content to be who God had called him to be. He was content with second place. And third, John recognized and pointed others to Christ. A meek heart is the heart of Christ and it is also a heart that seeks to point people to Christ and not self. There is one thing I am sure, if you allow the Holy Spirit of God to control your life, your life will be less stressful than those trying to do things their own way. Well until next time, keep walking close to Christ.