Not a hint of meekness existed in my character as a young woman. Sadly, I took pride in my ability to challenge men verbally and delighted in defeating them in debate. I thought this was a sign of strength, but actually I was a weak woman. Early in our friendship, Nancy DeMoss recognized my neediness in this area and gave me the book The Quest for Meekness and Quietness of Spirit by Matthew Henry. I had always confused the idea of meekness with weakness. I pictured a fragile-hearted, mouse-like woman when I heard this term—not appealing in the least! Then I came across 1 Peter 3:1-6 and its description of a woman with the imperishable beauty of a gentle (or meek) and quiet spirit . . . (the next words took my breath away) . . . "which is precious in the sight of God." Precious!
When I first read those words, I remember thinking, Oh Father, I want to be precious in your sight, but I could never be meek or quiet! However, the strong yearning to be precious in God's sight eventually led me to dig in and do an extensive study of this elusive trait. Here are a few things I learned:
The Greeks described meekness as "power under control." Hmmm . . . I'd never thought of meekness as a "powerful trait" before.
"It is better by silence to yield to our brother, who is, or has been, or may be, our friend, than by angry speaking to yield to the devil, who has been, and is, and ever will be our sworn enemy." —Matthew Henry
- James 3:13-18—meekness is the opposite of arrogance and self-promotion. Gulp! So, when I'm not practicing meekness, does that mean I'm being arrogant and self-centered?
- Colossians 3:12—meekness characterizes the mature believer, which means the lack of meekness indicates immaturity.
- James 1:21—meekness equals "teachability."
- Ephesians 4:2—meekness shows consideration of others.
- Galatians 6:1—meekness is to be the defining attitude when confronting a brother in sin.
- Philippians 2:1-8—meekness portrays the humility of Christ, who is our ultimate example of meekness.
- 1 Peter 3:13-16—meekness displays constancy and a steady composure. Meekness stands in contrast to the fretful woman's roller coaster ride of emotions.
- 1 Peter 3:8-9—meekness demonstrates gracious restraint. It responds to accusations or criticism with restraint rooted in humility by recognizing that without God's grace, I am capable of far worse than what I am being accused.
Meekness does not mean I never speak, share an opinion, or disagree with my husband or others, but meekness acts under the grace and control of the Spirit of God.
Where does God find you in relation to this post today?
Comments
*The following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:25 am
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:34 am
As you know that is a tough one for me. I also believed that a meek woman was a weak woman. But God is working on me in that area. I have often been so arrogant to speak what I think and feel so openly, making the comment a lot of times I am just being honest. When all I am doing is making an excuse for my arrogant attitude. The revival Bro. Leroy recently did, opened my eyes so much more about being crucified with Christ and dying to self in humility. I am going after that Mathew Henry book! Thanks !
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:54 am
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 11:02 am
Thank you for the bible versus further explaining the meaning of meekness. I really appreciate it. Galatians 6:1 really hit home with me because God has put someone in my life that I need to do exactly what this verse says.
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 11:32 am
Thank you for the post on meekness. I know this is an area where the Lord is at work in my heart. I am looking forward to looking up, and meditating upon, the scriptures you listed above.
It is good to understand -- as you explained and some of the posts above mentioned -- that meekness is not weakness. That to be "meek and quiet" doesn't mean wimpy and always silent!
I believe the Lord is working on the inner attitude of my heart, since out of the heart the mouth speaks (and actions follow). Much pride was in my family background. I praise the Lord for working in this vessel (me!) to eradicate pride (still a process) and produce His fruit in my life -- including meekness! By His grace! He is so good.
Blessings and love to my sisters in Christ,
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 12:46 pm
I have a big LOUD laugh and zeal for life as well! I could relate to much of what you said in your comment above. God was gracious to send that wise Titus 2 woman your way, I agree completely with her counsel to you.
One thing I've found encouraging as I've studied the passage in 1 Peter that commends the woman with a "quiet" spirit, is the fact that the word that is translated "quiet" does not mean "silence" or "lack of words" but actually refers to a tranquil or calm demeanor. Whew!
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm free to rattle on with a profundity of words . . . Proverbs 10:19 warns:
"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."
I'm seeking to live as a "quiet" woman in the sense of having a calm, tranquil demeanor, while speaking words that line up with Ephesians 4:29:
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
Thanks for your comment -- I'm glad to have the opportunity to point out that being "quiet" does not mean we repress an expressive personality! I would love to have a lively conversation with you sometime, filled with lots of laughter :-)
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 3:00 pm
Just a note to say I appreciate your heart for the Lord
and love for His Word, as well as love for others,which is evidenced by the wise counsel you always give when ministering to others through ROH. I printed out your thoughts on "Imperishable Beauty." My heart's desire is also to have a calm, quiet demeanor. Many times my demeanor is anything but! Not because I'm being arrogant or demanding, but because I fret over so much. That's why I very much appreciated Nancy's series on Psalm 131, "How to Have a Quiet Heart."
Thank you again for sharing your heart and wise words with others.
Arlene G.
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I'm so glad to hear your desire for a calm and quiet demeanor. Nancy's Psalm 131 series is a great resource to help cultivate this.
Thanks for sharing how God used it in your life!
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 5:49 pm
on Monday, May 18, 2009 at 8:03 pm
I forgot in my earlier post that I had a scripture I had been meaning to share with you, to encourage you in your ministry, because it reminds me so much of you. Just today I realized it has the word meekness in it (in KJV) so I thought it fit with today's post. Sorry I didn't think of it in my first post. It's from 2nd Timothy (beautiful book of the Bible I've been meditating on!), vs.24-26. Kim, you have so gently, yet powerfully (through God's Word) taken on some of the critics on this blog -- I really admire that quality in you, by God's grace. Here's the scripture:
24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Blessings and love to you Kimberly!
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 12:10 am
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 12:27 am
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 8:39 am
Thank you for modeling before me a meek and quiet spirit; you have a spirit-controlled strength that I've not observed in many women at all.
Blessings and love to you! Vivian
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 9:50 am
That is EXACTLY what I discovered about quietness and it brought so much peace to me. It didn't mean VOLUME - it meant more of the VIRTUE of contentment! And praise God, therewith I am content :) Philippians 4:11
I didn't mention that I am a Pastor's wife of 31 years :) and that laughter of soul God has given me has brought much solace as well during dry spells! For the joy of the Lord is truly my strength!
Now I am being a Titus woman to the young women in my sphere of influence and I love that so very much.
I would love to share some laughter with you too!
Alive and Lively! :)
Jan
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 10:50 am
Thank you so much for sending the verses from Titus. That was very kind and truly encouraging.
I will be praying for you and your husband as you seek the Lord concerning this matter. He is so faithful to respond and provide His grace as we humbly depend on His leading.
May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. May you experience the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, in this situation with your loved one.
I pray that the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. May you be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk through this situation in a manner worthy of the Lord.
Knowing that you desire to please Him in all respects, may you bear fruit in every good work, and increase in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience.
I pray that you will be refreshed and restored today through the washing of the water of the Word of God, which you so dearly love.
Blessings to you dear sister.
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 12:59 pm
So glad you checked back -- in case you do again -- thanks for sharing your blogs site. I enjoyed checking it out briefly. It was so exciting to read about your mission trip to South Africa! I pray God uses you to impact the people you encounter there for His glory.
I'm thankful to have a "fellow pastor's wife" communicating with me on the blog. We might be able to share more laughs together than I realized, now that I know you also are in ministry :-)
I hope you'll consider including True Woman on your suggested blogs list in order for new women to be introduced to this site.
Blessings dear sister, glad to have you joining us as we seek to live out God's calling on our lives as True Women.
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I also checked out your blog site. What a delight! I am so excited about your group doing "Seeking Him" together online! I may check it out from time to time to see how it's going. I love the study, it has impacted so many individual's lives.
As I mentioned to Jan, above, I hope you'll consider adding True Woman to your list of blogs. We would welcome all new-comers as we seek to encourage one another in following Christ.
Blessings dear sister.
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Love to you all through Christ!!
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 2:08 pm
It is never excessive to share how "amazingly good" God is and to give Him all glory!
He is so personally involved in our lives, because He is a personal Savior! Thank you for the testimony of how He is at work in your life through this difficult situation.
And, Leslie -- we will meet one day. Whether on this earth or in our eternal home, we will spend some time in fellowship and praise of our Lord!
Bless you dear one.
on Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 2:43 pm