Guest Post | Vernell Ingle, Teaching Pastor

Guest Post | Vernell Ingle, Teaching Pastor
Christpoint Galena

Lord of the Rings
The Eagles

Dad (Rev. Vernell) is in the middle of a Wednesday night teaching series on the Beatitudes.

While I was listening to him teach about meekness on Wednesday I thought it would be fun to publish some of his material with an apophatic approach. So I’m not going to tell you what meekness is. I’m just going to tell you what it’s not.

Meekness might be one of the most misunderstood words in the English language. What do you think of when you think of this term?

• mild mannered
• backwards
• shy
• unassuming
• a picture of a little lamb
• some might think of meekness as weakness

Jesus says the meek alone will inherit the earth (Matthew 5.5).

When one thinks of inheriting the earth one thinks of strength, military might, and conquering.

No, the meek shall inherit the earth.

When one thinks in terms of success, business, wealth, prestige, economic power one thinks of ability, self-assertiveness, aggressiveness – “go for the gusto,” “pull out all the stops,” “make it happen,” “take charge,” or “just do it!”

No, the meek shall inherit the earth.

The Jews of Jesus’ day thought of throwing off the Roman cloak of oppression, rising up, revolting, raising an army, conquering the Romans and setting up the kingdom of the Messiah.

No, the meek shall inherit the earth.

The church today gets caught up with the syndrome of success of the world, bigger is better, greater organization, wield political power, take charge and take back our country for God.

No, the meek shall inherit the earth.

This is an amazing concept that Jesus introduced here – again it runs contrary to the world or natural man thinks. The ethics of another kingdom is not of this world.

What meekness is not.

Meekness is not a natural quality. It is not a matter of a natural disposition or temperament. Lifestyle of the kingdom is not natural. It’s different, distinct, and dynamic. We can’t imitate these qualities. New birth is required.

Meekness is not just an outward manner. It is not the idea that we look humble and meek either by dress, demeanor, or posture.

Meekness is not passive in character. It does not mean that we do nothing for the sake of keeping the peace. Meekness does not mean that we compromise to avoid confrontation when it is necessary.

The martyrs of the church were meek, never weak.

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