positive testimony to those about us of our devotion to Christ. It re veals that we are ready and willing to do what the Lord asks. We pos itively believe the record of His Word. What a tremendous quality M E EK N E S S A meek person is a small frail man married to a large overbearing woman. Perhaps this is the picture which comes to our minds when we consider the characteristic of meekness. However, this is far from the picture of the Biblical quality mentioned in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians'5:23. Actually, meek ness is basically submission to God's will as opposed to the asser tion of our own desires and pro grams. But it calls for vigor, deter mination and strength and is a far cry from the picture of a spineless creature. In the day in which Paul was in spired to pen this epistle the word frequently referred to a wild ani mal which had been successfully broken to the bit. It meant strength under control, not lack of spirit. Several years ago we had a quar ter horse which the children loved to ride. Children could hang on his tail or walk between his legs and he was as gentle as could be. Yet, with a competent horseman in the saddle he was an eager and power ful roping horse. This is a good picture of meekness. Rather than a broken down old nag which just could not do anything but give children a slow ride around the corral, Pancho was spirited yet sen sitive to control. In James 1:21 we are exhorted,
is faith. It should be found in each Christian's life. This means not only accepting His truth, but also show ing obedience, loyalty, and solid confidence in all that He is and has done for us.
"Wherefore, put away all filthiness and superfluity of wickedness, and receive with meekness the en grafted word, which is able to save your souls." We are to turn our backs on our old ways so that we may be submissive to God, accept ing the true Word which flows from Him. There's nothing here which denotes a powerless, spineless, fla vorless individual. Again, it is pow er, but under a new master. We see the word "meekness" again in Galatians 6:1, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye who are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, con sidering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." This does not mean that we need to be afraid of talking with a person who has a problem. Nor are we to act as a confident know-it-all. We confront them rath er in love. We should be willing to get involved, showing a concern for others that is both prompted and directed by God. In a sense, we are broken to His bit and sen sitive to His rein. We are to do all things in the spirit of one who is under the authority of Christ. All of our abilities and talents are to be for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ rather than for self. Consider the life of Christ Him self. We find His presentation to the people, "Tell ye the daughter Page 21
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