TUESDAY February 23
The Importance of Meekness
"Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zeph. 2:3, NKJV). Meekness is the opposite of pride. There is much emphasis today on the importance of having self-esteem. When does self-esteem go over the edge and become pride?
Meekness is necessary for receiving God's Word. "Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, NKJV). A person who does not have a humble spirit cannot receive God's Word because there is a conflict of interest. Why is this so?
Meekness is necessary for effective witnessing. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15, NKJV).
"Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested [unselfish] love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world."—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 142.
Meekness gives glory to God. First Peter 3:4 says, "even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
“It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that ‘meek and quiet spirit,’ the ‘fine linen, white and clean’ (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, ‘They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.' Revelation 3:4."—Ellen G. White,The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 523, 524.
How does putting emphasis on external beauty potentially conflict with the development of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly with the fruit of meekness? As the fruit of meekness grows in you, how should your life be different from what it was before? In the area of meekness, what changes have you seen in your life since you've accepted Christ? What attitudes might you be harboring that make it difficult for you to be meek?
The Importance of Meekness
"Seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of the Lord's anger" (Zeph. 2:3, NKJV). Meekness is the opposite of pride. There is much emphasis today on the importance of having self-esteem. When does self-esteem go over the edge and become pride?
Meekness is necessary for receiving God's Word. "Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (James 1:21, NKJV). A person who does not have a humble spirit cannot receive God's Word because there is a conflict of interest. Why is this so?
Meekness is necessary for effective witnessing. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15, NKJV).
"Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested [unselfish] love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world."—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 142.
Meekness gives glory to God. First Peter 3:4 says, "even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."
“It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that ‘meek and quiet spirit,’ the ‘fine linen, white and clean’ (Revelation 19:14), which all the holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King. His promise is, ‘They shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.' Revelation 3:4."—Ellen G. White,The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 523, 524.
How does putting emphasis on external beauty potentially conflict with the development of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly with the fruit of meekness? As the fruit of meekness grows in you, how should your life be different from what it was before? In the area of meekness, what changes have you seen in your life since you've accepted Christ? What attitudes might you be harboring that make it difficult for you to be meek?
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