Quiet Strength

Last night we were talking about Colossians' description of what person looks like who is glorifying (amplifying, lifting up) God's name in the world. In midst of some straightforward practical ideas: compassion, forgiveness, love; we came across and flew by one aspect that I think is a totally misunderstood word today.

Meekness

When I think of meekness, which is hard considering we don't ever used that word anymore, I tend to think of a mild-mannered servant, a weak little child content to play in the sand, or some other picture of weakness and inability to fend for oneself. Perhaps it's because "meek" sounds a lot like weak but that couldn't be further away from what meekness means at all!
Meekness (in it's Greek origin) was a word earliest used by farmers. It referred to a colt or young horse who was obedient and controlled-itself. Not that it was a weak horse, actually it could very well be the strongest horse the owner had. It didn't refer to the horses strength but actually, it's ABILITY TO CONTROL IT'S STRENGTH.
Meekness is simply this:

Power Under Control.

Being angry just because you can be is one thing. Staying out all night, shirking off homework to go to a concert is easy. Just because you can do something doesn't mean it's the right or even strong thing to do. As we get older we get more and more freedom, power, and influence in our world, especially from the ages of 12-21. Abusing that power is easy. Not being meek with your freedom is like a toddler who, having just learned to walk, runs around as fast as it can smashing into stuff, breaking lamps, and hitting it's head on everything. Is that strong? No. Powerful? No. Just a little bit of freedom, being completely missused.
I like how the "Message" Bible (if you don't have one, get one) by Eugene Peterson, translates meekness. It instead refers to it as quiet strength. Quiet strength reminds me of Clark Kent. (I know, here's the nerdy part) Think about it. Superman is the power, and ability. But his alter ego Clark is the strength. Day after day he holds back showing off, getting back at co-workers and so much more not because he is weak, but to protect his parents and the people he cares about, at the same time he does use his strength when it's needed most, to help others.
Its almost impossible to imagine how this particular trait could be essential in glorifying Gods name, doesn't it? I mean, to live life with that kind of control seems like it wouldn't bring attention to anything, much less Gods work in your life. I don't think it has as much to do with whether it bring Gods name attention as much as THE KIND OF ATTENTION IT BRINGS. Think back to the farmers colt from the beginning of this post. A young horse acting crazy, bucking around making a mess isnt actually all that extraordinary is it? The horse may be thinking everyone is noticing him, that he is being "original" and "out of the box" but actually he is just doing what most other colts do. Nothing really different or special. If he brings any attention to himself or his owner at all, it's negative. But the young horse who displays quiet strength, who stands at attention awaiting orders, then moving with precision executes them; THAT gets noticed. That is different, original, and out of the box. And both the colt and it's owner gets noticed in the end.


PS- As we get closer to the Amplify launch. Make it your objective to be meek, be STRONG, and above all else...

Amplify.

Tonight at rodeo

Hey guys,
Tonight there is a freeze warning and in case you haven't noticed their are flurries outside! In Alabama!
The bonfire is cancelled.
Instead, we shall seek warmth at Rodeo restaurant.
Please bring money for food, if you would like to eat, and remember to bring your thinking caps and opinions as the message will have small group element.
Also, if you need a ride, meet up at the annex at 6:30.
Otherwise, we will at rodeo.
Later everyone!