Meek: power under control

A few months ago my pastor interjected one of the definitions of the word meek into his sermon about Jesus’ character. He claimed that the word meek was defined as power under control. I fact checked it with the dictionary and found that my pastor’s definition is considered to be the fourth definition of this word that so many people have misinterpreted.

Until I heard this definition I had always viewed meek as a synonym to the word weak. I thought of meek people as those with little or no power who are often taken advantage of.

I then looked up the definition of weak. Weak is defined as lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks. Therefore, those who lack power and are considered to be weak cannot be meek. It is impossible to be meek without drawing your power from a source. Those who are meek have the ability to control the power they are given and do not let it turn into aggressive pride that would eventually level their power.

Suddenly, it all made sense and having the proper definitions of these words puts Jesus’ character into perspective. Jesus was not “weak” because He had the power of the God fueling him to complete every miracle and daily task. He attributed the beneficial qualities He had through His power to benefit the lives of others and leave a legacy. His “meek” character came as a result of His humility to draw his power from God and not let pride get in the way of the legacy He was leaving. 

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

“Why do bad things happen to good people?” This is one of the many questions that have plagued humanity for centuries. When in reality, by asking this question we prove ourselves to be ignorant of the definitive difference between good and bad.

One person’s definition of a good person may be Michael Jordan, while another person’s might be Mother Teresa. One person’s definition of a bad person may be James Dean, while another person’s might be Kim Kardashian. So ultimately the question being asked is based on the opinion of the person asking it.

Only God can judge who is “bad” and who is “good” and only He can determine who gets what they deserve. He is the same God who destroyed the entire world population (with the exception of Noah and his family) by way of flood and He is the same God who sent His son to die for us on the cross. Just as out of the same God flow “good” and “bad” things so we will experience both “good” and “bad” things regardless of how “good” we are.

We often make the mistake of believing that we are entitled to know the answers to life, when ironically enough, our human nature is the answer.  We believe that we should know everything about our infinite God and our infinite universe. Some people waste their lives away in classrooms trying to find all the answers, when in the end; they’re only left feeling unfulfilled by their quest for infinite knowledge.

In order to accept this question and put a rest to our searching souls we must accept this statement:

“We are all sinners, which means none of us are “good” people, but through the mercy of God we are justified. Both in the waking life and in the afterlife we will be given what we deserve based on the repercussions of our actions.”