The next step in death to self is meekness. Unfortunately, we once again do not even know what this means! Meekness is often confused with weakness or getting run over; it does not bring to mind conceptions of strength, masculinity, or power. However, meekness requires power. It is properly defined as power under control. A horse that could easily toss you or trample you to death, allows you to ride it. This says nothing about the power, rights, or strength of the horse. It shows the quality of its character. Meekness is intentionally choosing to not demand your rights or impose upon others even when you are right.
The Bible is filled with great examples of meekness. Moses refused to defend himself when attacked by Aaron and Miriam; he left the situation in God’s hands. Paul refused to exercise his right to be paid for his work among the Corinthians. He knew it was his right, yet he intentionally chose to forgo it. Jesus is the greatest example of meekness the world has ever seen. He does not invade Jerusalem demanding the allegiance that is His right. He instead quietly rides into the city, refusing to impose Himself on anyone. During His arrest and trial, Jesus refused to exert His rights or even defend Himself.
Meekness is not just a Christian virtue; it is commanded of us. We are commanded to not sue other believers. Even when we are right, we are commanded to submit the wrong to the least esteemed member of the church. Wives are commanded to be meek towards their husbands. This is not an acknowledgement that the wife is weak or wrong. On the contrary, it is a demonstration of her strength of character. Even under persecution, Christians are commanded to not worry about their defense but leave it in the hands of the Holy Spirit.
Why is meekness necessary to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in your life? Simply put, God’s ways are not our ways. He is going to bring about His purposes in ways other than our strength of character or will. He is going to accomplish His purposes without us demanding our rights. It is not exerting how right we are in arguments that wins the lost to Christ! It is the Spirit of God who uses His kindness to draw people to repentance. In our culture today, this is perhaps one of the hardest lessons to learn. We are all looking for the “mic drop” moment when we win the debate and smash our opponent. This is not the power of the Holy Spirit. He works through people who are strong; strong enough to lay aside their need to be right. Strong enough to lay aside their rights. Strong enough to trust that the Spirit of God leads us to work in ways that diminish our strength and exalt the grace of God.
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