STEEL & VELVET

Many believe that Jesus was a "meek-and-mild" sorta guy!  They picture Him as being overly sensitive and gentle.  But I'd describe Him as a man of "steel and velvet!"  Steel is strong and velvet is soft (compassionate, gentle, and loving).

MEEK does not mean WEAK!  Jesus was a carpenter for many years.  Therefore, He had to have a strong body to cut down trees, hammer wood together, etc.  He had to have a strong mind to battle satan in the wilderness and in The Garden before He endured the crucifixtion.

What, then, is the definition of MEEK?  "Not given to extremes!  EXTREME means "Doing anything in excess; radical; harsh; drastic.

We live in a culture that goes to EXTREMES.  Either sliding to the side of being passive and bland, or overly agressive to the point of danger and destruction.  Those who are ADDICTED seem to be most out-of-control.  I know people addicted to sports, texting, road rage, etc.--which is just as bad as those on drugs, into porno, or alcohol.

Matthew 5:5 says, "Blessed are the MEEK..."!  The word MEEK is rarely spoken these days.  Too bad!  We need more men and women who are demonstrating a lifestyle of meekness.  They get enough rest, eat a well-balanced diet, work hard and play hard, etc.

A good illustration of MEEKNESS is of a high-spirited horse that is sensitive to the master's reins.  In other words, he has been "trained" to follow the leading of his master.  We all want to be "free spirits" and "do our own thing."  However, the Lord asks us to submit to His leading.  That doesn't mean He breaks our spirit!  It means we willingly submit out of our love for Him.  The movie "War Horse" is a great example of what I'm talking about.

Jesus flexed His muscles and got angry (kicking the moneychangers out of the temple)--but He demonstrated a righteous anger--not an out-of-control anger.  "Be angry...and sin not!"  [Ephesians 4:26]  A righteous anger helps us hurdle over our fears and fight for justice and fight to protect the innocent or the helpless.

Keep your sword of STEEL tucked into your sheath of VELVET until you need to use it to fight against evil.  Lead a life of MEEKNESS (strength under control) for His glory!