Heart ChecksSample

Be a Servant

In the third beatitude, Jesus talks about something we don’t hear or see often—meekness. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Jesus is saying, “An attitude of meekness in the face of trouble leads you to inheriting the earth.” What does “inheriting the earth” mean? It’s another paradox… the meek will end up with what? Influence and happiness.

Meekness in the original language is the word praus—and it means gentle. Biblically, meek really means having strength under control, even when pressured. The translation of the word meek is not great in terms of our modern understanding. A better interpretation of this verse might be, “Blessed are those who trust God and are gentle toward others, for they will inherit what the worldly try to take by force.”

Remember this, meekness is not weakness. Meek doesn’t mean being passive, silent, or introverted. It’s actually more associated with strength and power. Meekness is gentle but strong; merciful, yet mighty; and teachable with room to grow. Remember, only Jesus can live the Beatitudes, but as Christ lives through us, we, too, can live the Beatitudes.

John 13 is one of the most beautiful pictures of what meekness looks like in action. Jesus, at the Last Supper, looks into the faces of those He’s invested three years of His life in. He knows this is His last chance to show His love and inspire them to carry on His vision. He doesn’t give them gifts, titles, or wealth. He gives them something more. A model to follow and a towel—He washes their feet. From this passage, let’s look at three lessons from Jesus on meekness:

1. The motive of meekness.

Meekness starts in the heart. Meekness flows out of knowing who God is and who you are in Him. John 13:3-4 says: Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. Jesus, because He knew God—His Father—was able to rise up after dinner, take the form of the lowliest of servants, and wash the feet of those who serve Him. Jesus was able to show this love to others because He received it from His Father. His motive? Love.

2. The mindset of meekness.

Meekness is a mindset, not a strategy. We lead through influence. If we will walk with strength under control, our influence will grow and grow. We will literally “inherit the earth!” We’ll make a lasting impact. Here’s a test: When you walk into a room, what’s your first thought? “Who sees me?” “What are people thinking of me?” Or, “Who can I serve?” “Who can I impact?” “Who can I bless and help?”

3. The manifestation of meekness.

Meekness has to be expressed. Remember, meekness leads to happiness. Look what Jesus says in verses 14-15, 17: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. …If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Jesus is saying, “If I can serve and wash people’s feet—so can you. I’ve given you the model to follow.” Friends, meekness serves. Our hands are called to help the hurting. How do we impact people today? By serving!

As we are motivated by the love God has for us, and view life through the mindset of meekness, the manifestation will be our hands reaching hurting humanity with the grace of Jesus. It leads to happiness.

Today’s heart check: What am I walking in—meekness or self-centeredness?

After you reflect, bring everything to God in prayer.