Inheritance.

meek

  –adjective, -er, -est.

1.

humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others.

I'm good at things. I am a doer. If you give me a nail, I will find a hammer. One of the main principles in management I feel, is that you should never present a problem (or a complaint) without a solution to that problem. Or at least have a desire to find a solution, even if it's not a very good one!

I have to realize, however, that while I believe I can do anything, I can't do everything. Ironically, the feeling that you can do anything is usually where people sin the most. Other than the pride side of it, most people who struggle with theft get a rush by proving they can do it. Those with sexual addictions usually focus on their ability to satisfy others. I'm sure that at some point you have gone into a situation thinking "I can do this", only to have it blow up in your face. Whether that situation is a relationship, or a job, a class, or even a specific situation. We have all failed, especially in an area we were so sure of. Even Bill Gates isn't the richest man in the world anymore. It's proof that you're never the best.

So this word, meek, carries with it an interesting addition to this. Not only does the word show that someone has power, but they are intentionally not using it. The definition even goes on to say that this person has the ability to do something and does not, even while provoked. Matthew 4 and the temptation of Christ paints a beautiful picture of true meekness.

Imagine that, if everyone were meek. We would have to be given things! We wouldn't just take them! The funny thing is that in Matthew 5 we see a promise in exchange for meekness...

Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

The oddest thing about this promise to me is the choice of verbs. Meek people are blessed? It's almost a promise that if you endure, you will be given what you're waiting for. But more interesting than that is the word "inherit".

I don't know about you, but I don't own any planets or satellites. Someone would have to give me a planet, because I am quite sure that I do not have the financial resources to get one, even for Christmas. I have a friend who we used to joke only dated a particular boy because he had a trust fund. The boy didn't decide when he could access it, though. He would just inherit it when the donor died. Knowing that he had zero control over it, he was quite patient. He honestly never mentioned it, presumably because he had no control over it.

So knowing that we have no control over other peoples' lives, why do we think we have this control over ours? In Jesus' funny way, he is basically saying "I will give those who wait what they want, because they cannot get it on their own anyway". It's awesome! What awesome relationship would you have if you were patient for it, and lived your life following God? What joy would your job bring you if you did it, and waited for the opportunity to take more responsibility? How wonderful would your relationship with your family be if you prayed for the opportunity for them to ask, "What makes you tick?" and then shared with them?

Next time you want a good reminder about meekness, just observe next time you're in a restaurant. Watch the difference between the people who ask the server, "Do you know about how much longer it will be?" and the people who unashamedly complain "Where is my food?!".

The thing people don't realize, is that the hot air fueling the anger in their head will not help cook the food faster. However, waiting patiently will actually free up the server to be available to bring food as soon as it is ready, rather than dealing with complaints constantly.

So where do you need to show meekness? Where are you not being patient? Do you know that Christ wants to give you that inheritance? He loves to see his followers patient, though. Just remember, just because you have the power to, doesn't mean you have to-and ultimately, it may be all for naught anyway.