By Mary-Jane Clarry
Director of Children’s Ministries
Kingsway Baptist Church, Toronto, ON
Meek isn’t a very common word anymore. It is seldom used yet somehow understood. When I picture a meek person, they tend to be quiet observers, taking it all in. Meek people don’t have the loudest voice in the room. They are learners: humble, not violent. Patience plays into it somehow. Think about that blend of traits! I think I really like the meek.
Consider babies and toddlers—set aside for the moment that they are often the loudest voice in the room! They are precious for so many reasons, aren’t they? Watching all of their firsts brings joy and celebrations! Their early lives, each day, are all about being postured to learn… everything! They are learning language—every single word! They are learning physical skills like walking, grabbing, feeding. They are learning problem solving everyday. They are learning who they are, who created them, who loves them and who they are created to be. They are open, eager and willing to try most anything!
Are you like a child? How do you measure up to such openness to learn? Are you willing to humble yourself to the role of learner and not teacher? What is your posture before God? Are your arms wide, waiting for a new truth to be revealed, a new challenge to be embraced? Are you meek?
Jesus says in Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Jesus has reverence for the meek. He values them. He values them so much, they will inherit the earth. And that seems pretty great to me! Humble learners will care for our earth. Our troubled and damaged earth will have thoughtful, humble people caring for it. It seems like Jesus has set our earth up with amazing caregivers.
We have amazing opportunities, within our churches and out in the world, to pour into the meek. Identify those around you who are looking to learn and grow. Remember I mentioned the kids? Find ways to encourage and speak into the life of a child. Maybe this is a family member, maybe at church. Think about children’s ministry—seriously. Is there anything you can do to share Jesus with kids? They are literally inheriting our earth, and it’s up to us to prepare them well.
Be meek and pour into the meek. It’s a blessed way to be, and the world is depending on you.
Thanks for this article on the Beatitude, “Blessed are the meek”. We were discussing this at our Bible Study on Tuesday night. We appreciate the thoughts you have given here.
Thank you! Very much enjoyed your words of reflection and wisdom. As one personal reflection, you wrote; “Humble learners will care for our earth. Our troubled and damaged earth will have thoughtful, humble people caring for it. It seems like Jesus has set our earth up with amazing caregivers…” Upon reading it my Spirit quickened as I was drawn to remember the care givers God established in Canada through our First Nation brothers and sisters. We have so much to learn from their meekness and from their care of the earth. So I thank CBOQ for investing in the recent Indigenous Conference so my children can learn and be informed about our unfolding journey of meekness together. We humbly press on…