Meekness is not a sign of weakness

Gal 5:19-26 - 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (NIV)

This is a very important section of scripture for me personally. I think of it, and its applications to my life daily. I quote pieces of it to friends, family and church family multiple times a week.

The first verses are heavy in their implications. People who choose these behaviors will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Whoa there for a second. If you believe that the Bible is God's Word for us (and I do) then this low light journey through banned behaviors is to be taken seriously.

In contemporary America the ongoing unfolding of the sexual revolution in our society has raised challenges to the standards of verse 19. In truth ... it seems the majority now reject God's Biblical values for sexual behavior entirely. But "sexual immorality" must mean that some choices are wrong morals right?

For "debauchery" to exist conceptually then there must be some boundaries that shouldn't be violated.

Idolatry in our culture is when we expect to get anything from something other than God that we can only expect to get from God Himself. When we look to money, power, fame, beauty or success for our worth, value and dignity rather than God then those things are false idols in our lives.

Hatred, fits of rage, selfish ambition are more straightforward concepts for us, but in the world my daughters are growing up in these behaviors are often celebrated as desirable. Advertisements say, "your friends will hate you because of this" and we grow more interested because anything that could raise their envy must be desirable. Right? Tragic.

I like the fruit of the spirit in verses 22-25 much better. If these qualities could be seen as the true projections of my soul I would be so pleased. Love, peace, kindness. Yes please. Gentleness is a quality that is precious.

In our society we mistake meekness for weakness, but only the powerful can choose to be meek. Weak people don't have the choice to be dominated. A truly powerful person (physically, politically, socially, financially) who chooses to use their power to uplift others instead of dominate is a blessing in a community. A rare blessing for sure, and God's word ought to inspire more of us toward that kind of life.

Self-control is the key to family happiness. Husbands and wives become cross-threaded when they both press to have their needs be pre-eminent. I tell my daughters "make your best choices today" -- "be nice" "be good" -- and God says the same thing to us doesn't He?

I pray that God would help me to be a good man. My family needs me to be a good man.

I pray God empowers me, by His Spirit, to be patient and kind. I will strive to love my neighbors as my self, and to consider others needs as more important than my own.

"God ... you said the meek would inherit the earth. As my culture seeks to impose rules that seem to go against Your word, and my conscience, please help me to live like you taught me to. I will be patient and faithful if You'll help me. Please bless Bella Vista and our area churches. We need you more than ever. Amen."

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Watson is pastor of the Bella Vista Assembly of God.

Religion on 06/24/2015