THE MEEKNESS OF CHRIST

Devotion #13 of 13

"I am meek and lowly in heart" -- Jesus

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

The "fruit of the Spirit" is not something to which we merely aspire; it is the result of the Spirit's transforming work. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law" (Gal 5:23). Like the Father and the Son, the Spirit works. He has been sent into "our hearts" (Gal 4:6) to accomplish the work of God. His is not a ministry of mere feeling or emotional uplift, but of transformation. He comes to shape us into the image of Christ, according to God's predestinated purpose (Rom 8:29). Part of that "image" is meekness; the harnessing of divine power for divine purposes. We are "meek" when we are directable; when the august power of God "in us" works to accomplish His "eternal purpose."

Not an end of itself

Meekness is not an end of itself, but a means to an end. The meekness of Christ was in order to our salvation. Our meekness is in order to the fulfilment of divine objective, both in and through us. A lack of meekness puts us in opposition to the Lord and His will. To be without meekness is to be in the flesh, and thus to be at enmity with God. Meekness brings power and effectiveness to the body of Christ. It allows us to be more tolerant of and longsuffering with one another. "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph 4:2). This cannot be viewed as a Sinaitic code; that will rob the exhortation of its power. This is a summons to walk with God. "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye" (Col 3:12- 13). Putting on meekness is nothing less than the imitation of Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Do not miss the purpose for meekness. It allows us to employ divine power for kingdom labors and objectives. As laborers together with God, we have been called to engage in the good work of the Lord. Meekness enables us to keep the flesh in check, while walking in the Spirit.

CONCLUSION

Let the meekness of Christ be an encouragement to you. You can come to Him with an unwavering expectation of being received. His meekness and lowliness of heart are an expression of the divine nature. You touch the heart of Jesus when you come to Him. He will in no wise cast you away! He wants to teach you, instructing you in the way of truth. There is no reason why this promise cannot be fulfilled in you: "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them his covenant" (Psa 25:14). A Savior like this is cause for great rejoicing. Your comprehension of Him provides a basis for confidence and good hope through grace. There is no greater response to be rendered than availing yourself of the Christ. He is approachable; therefore approach Him. He is within your reach; therefore reach out for Him. He is accessible to you; therefore avail yourself of Him. What possible reason can be adduced for refusing to come to Christ? What logic can be offered for refusing to take His yoke? "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (Rom 9:33).

-- TOMORROW: New Series--THE POWER OF A NEW AFFECTION --