Humility and Meekness

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”  ESV Bible, James 1:21

Up to the minute, latest worldwide, nationwide, citywide, and even neighborhood news is on my fingertips on the internet. Usually it’s bad news because that’s what quickly grabs the attention of human beings. And bad news easily becomes the conversation topic of the moment...”Did you hear?!?!?...”.

Really, these kinds of news can become tools used by dark evil spiritual forces. Very sneakily and insidiously. I say sneakily because even though I read the Bible daily, what am I really implanting? What is taking priority over my thought life?

I have been feeling beaten down and discouraged by news of natural disasters and suffering, crime, dirty politics, celebrity gossip, etc. I’m sick and tired of it. I can’t kid myself...

Definition of “humbly” and “meekly”:

Humbly - Humble - low as opposed to lofty or great or magnificent. Like a humble cottage. Not boastful, not bragging or proud. 
Humbly - In a humble manner; with modest submissiveness; with humility. Without elevation.
.
Meekly - Meekness - derived from Hebrew (to melt). Attitude that is not easily provoked, frustrated, or bitter. Restraint. Forbearance (hold back, pause, even abstain in the face of sufferings and difficulties). Opposite of immediate impulsiveness or knee-jerk reactions.

Personal Appication
In modern American culture today, it is popular and even a compliment to describe someone as humble. In American culture, however, the word meek is not a compliment. It’s an insult. It connotes “wimpiness”, cowardice, etc. However, there are direct translations of the Bible which describe being meek or meekly as a virtue, especially describing Jesus, the Son of God and His teachings for us as followers. 

The definition of meek above to me describes a person trained, with self discipline under a Master. Like learning under a martial arts master. It’s a mindset coupled with exceptional power. 

So how I am going to apply this? Be aware that modern media is capable of becoming an attractive lure. Be wary. But don’t be a hermit and close off completely from the news, but be careful.  It is easy to be snared and drawn into a despairing attitude that kills the soul.  Combat this for with reading and meditating on God’s truth and Jesus’s words and life example. And, going to the Living, real God in prayer and worship. And God in turn promises to equip me with the Holy Spirit to empower me in daily life. 

Closing Scriptures:
“ The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.”     (From the prophet Isaiah, in Isaiah 61:1, ESV Bible)

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”   (Quote from Jesus’s brother James, in James 4:6 ESV Bible).