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Wisdom Saying
Amma Syncletica, one of the early Desert Mothers, said: "Imitate the Publican and you will not be condemned with the Pharisee. Choose the meekness of Moses and you will find your heart, which is a rock, changed into a spring of water."
Scripture
Luke 18.9-14 (WE)
9There were some people who thought they were very good. And they thought that other people were not good. Jesus told this story to them. 10He said, Two men went to the temple to talk with God. One was a Pharisee and the other one was a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and said to himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men. They steal, cheat, and commit adultery. I thank you that I am not like this tax collector. 12Two times in the week I do not eat~I fast. I give away one tenth part of all I get."
13The tax collector stood far away. He did not even look up towards heaven. But he beat his chest, and said, "God, I am a bad man. Help me!" 14I tell you, when this man went home, he was right with God. The other one was not. Everyone who puts himself up in a high place will be brought down to a low place. And everyone who puts himself in a low place will be brought up to a high place.
Exodus 17.5-6 (NLT)
5The Lord said to Moses, “Walk out in front of the people. Take your staff, the one you used when you struck the water of the Nile, and call some of the elders of Israel to join you. 6I will stand before you on the rock at Mount Sinai. Strike the rock, and water will come gushing out. Then the people will be able to drink.” So Moses struck the rock as he was told, and water gushed out as the elders looked on.
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Comments
Meekness has a base meaning of "pliant, gentle." Meekness pertains not to being quick to anger or prone to resentment. Meekness implies not calling attention to oneself, being willing to work without receiving credit, and readiness to yield to others humbly for the good of all.
The Holy Spirit wants our hearts to flow with living water, not be hardened and, so, closed to the surge of spiritual liveliness. A chief virtue in keeping our inner self open, receptive, and giving of spiritual vitality is meekness.
In our highly individualistic culture and American church culture, too, meekness might be the most unpopular and least sought of the Christian virtues. However, meekness, possibly more than any other virtue, indicates a sure growth in Christian character.
Suggested Reflection
1. What does it feel like inside when, due to negative heart states, your inner self gets clogged up and does not flow with spiritual liveliness? Contrast this with times when you are flowing with spiritual life.
2. Have you had a recent situation wherein you were called upon to model meekness before persons for the common good? Explain.
See next page for details on OneLife Ministries, Brian's book An Ache for Union, and material pertaining to sources used in the writing.
Feel free to submit a query on how OneLife Ministries can better serve you. Thanks! Brian K. Wilcox
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