1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian MEEKNESS | Page 3

Hi Everyone
As we draw towards the conclusion of our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, we come to
the second last aspect as portrayed for us in Galatians 5; our subject for this week is
MEEKNESS.
By way of introduction I would like to refer you to what William Barclay says on the
word “meekness”. He says that “meekness is the most untranslatable word in the Bible”.
There are many substitute words that the Bible uses; the most common of which is
“gentleness”. Very often the different translations will use these two words
interchangeably. Our problem, however, is found in that there is a very definite
difference between the dictionary / thesaurus definition of meekness and the Biblical
one. You will find that the thesaurus will define meekness as “tame”, “timid”, “mild”,
“bland”, “unambitious” and“inoffensive”, if Jesus says that meekness, as per this
definition, is a Fruit of the Spirit, then we clearly have a contradiction to what meekness
from a Biblical perspective would look like.
Moses,in Numbers 12 v 3, is declared to be the meekest man on earth. If the dictionary
definition is true, then Moses was certainly not meek. Moses was anything but meek
and you can see this being evidenced in his life. Moses was radically against sin and,
after the incident of the golden calf, three thousand people were killed – this is NOT a
description of someone who is “dictionary-definition”“meek”. Many would confuse
meekness with weakness. We all know the song, “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild…” Jesus
certainly was not “dictionary-definition” “meek” when He overturned the tables in the
temple and drove out those who sought to rip off the poor. Clearly we have a problem
between these two definitions. I think the most helpful Biblical definition would define
meek as being “strength under control”. A great example would be seen in Joseph’s
life. After he became prime minister, he had all the strength and the power that anyone
could ever want, and yet when dealing with his reprobate brothers, he kept his strength
and power under control and poured out grace and mercy upon them.
Just for your interest another great example, in 1 Samuel 3 – 4, isof the high priest Eli,
who demonstrated weakness as opposed to meekness and he paid the consequences for
that. The story goes that Eli, the high priest, had two sons, Hophni and Phineas, who
worked in the temple. These two sons were ripping off the meat offerings that the
people had brought and God was displeased. Eli knew about it, but did nothing. His
weakness had consequences and it wasn’t long before his two sons were killed by the
Philistines and then he too met an undignified death.
Meekness is most definitely not weakness as I hope you will see over the course of this
week’s devotions.