When I Grow Up . . .

When I Grow Up . . .

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:5, NIV

Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21, NKJV

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:7

How many times have you been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Too many, right? Usually we come up with some sort of career we want so we can have an answer to this question. But Jesus told us what we all should want to be when we grow up: meek. It is not a job; it’s a character trait, a way of responding to other people and especially to God. Meekness sounds like weakness. But really meekness is strength that is under control. Think of it like a Thoroughbred horse that is controlled by a bridle and bit in its mouth. The horse is strong but submissive. That’s meekness. Meekness goes against everything the world tells us about getting what we want. We think we get what we want by standing up for ourselves and looking out for our own interests. But Jesus said that meek people will inherit the earth. They get it all. The only people who will get anything that lasts out of this life are people who learn to be meek.

In one of the few times Jesus spoke about his own personal character, he described himself as “meek and lowly” (Matthew 11:29, KJV). He is our example for what it is to be meek. It was his meekness—his strong submission to the plan of God—that led him to the Cross. At the Cross, we see clearly what meekness is supposed to look like.

Meekness is not about your personality type. We might think of meek people as those who are shy and quiet and never have an opinion. But strong, outgoing people can learn to be meek. Meekness is something God develops in us as we submit our strength to him. Without a spirit of meekness, it is impossible to submit to the work of God in our hearts and the plan of God for our lives.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What kind of person do you want to be when you grow up?

What is the difference between meekness and weakness?

Who do you know who is meek? How have you seen meekness played out in that person’s life?