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Here’s a beatitude that is often maligned by people today:
Blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).
You’ve probably heard people mock the idea that meek will inherit the earth. You can’t get anywhere being meek, they say. You have to be tough if you want to win in this world. Well, they make fun of this beatitude because they totally misunderstand Jesus’ meaning of meek.
In the original this word for meek was used to refer to domesticated animals, like a strong and powerful horse that was trained and disciplined so that it could be controlled by a human. It refers to a strong person who is under control—a God controlled person.
Meekness is not weakness. For those of us who are Christ-followers, we understand that our strength comes from our dependence on God. When we allow God to use us, in his strength we can do valiantly, as the Bible says. That is true meekness, but it is not weak.
What makes a person meek? It’s when you see God in everything. A meek person does not rely on herself. She sees God as great and herself as totally dependent. Her attitude is like Jesus when he prayed, “Not my will but thine be done.”
Jesus described himself as meek and humble in heart, but he certainly was not a wimp. He was very strong and courageous, while at the same time he was totally in subjection to the Father’s will. It was all about the Father’s agenda.
The Apostle Paul lists meekness as a fruit of the Spirit—something to be developed in our lives. Meekness is knowing who you are in comparison to who God is – true humility.
To inherit the earth does not necessarily mean great success in this world system. Rather, when Jesus comes back and establishes his kingdom in the New Heaven and the New Earth, the meek will inherit it, will run it.