1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian 4 - Blessed are the meek | Page 6

that he had learned to experience this contentment no matter whether he had
plenty or nothing. His life was not filled with ups and downs and he had learned
the art of consistent contentment. One cannot help when one reads the story of
Paul, to see the incredible extremes of his life. From extreme pomp and
ceremony as a top religious leader, to the depth of a prison cell having been
beaten with rods, Paul remained content. Paul’s attitude was not a Que Sera Sera
attitude, because that would have been a defeated one, but his attitude toward
the will of God was a positively relaxed one, knowing that wherever he was and
whatever he was doing was God’s plan for his life. Meek people understand this
truth. Even Dale Carnegie, in the 1950’s, said in his book “How to win friends
and influence people” that a fundamental rule of human relationships is never to
criticize, condemn, or complain. Even though his writings have no chapter and
verse to refer to, his principles as they relate to meek people are completely
appropriate.
In Acts 21 we see how Paul accentuated his meekness by never being afraid or
running away in the face of danger. He knew that the command of God was to go
to Jerusalem and no matter how eloquently or dramatically Agabus shared his
concern, Paul’s mind was set and he could not be swayed. Such are the ways of
the meek. Paul’s example is lived out many times in the Old Testament, one
cannot help but think of Daniel, who although he was in an incredibly powerful
position, a man who had incredible authority and the ear of the king, still
remained meek and yet totally determined that the will of God was more
important than the will of man. He reflected all the characteristics of meekness
that we have described so far. He was overwhelmed by the greatness of God. He
did not live off the applause of man, and even when lied about and thrown to the
lions, he never grumbled or complained or ran in the face of that danger. So
great was his trust in God that nothing else, other than the glory of God,
mattered to him.
Prayer Thought: In addition to what we committed ourselves to do yesterday,
won’t you today guard your lips on the issues of complaining and grumbling. Be
careful what you say to others because many times the words that come out of
your mouth are purely a reflection of what’s going on in your heart. So when you
criticize, condemn and complain we not only hurt others, but we hurt ourselves as
well and in addition we grieve the Holy Spirit. Ask God to remind you of this during
the course of the day.