Most people consider meekness to be weakness. In a world dominated by the strong—ruthless dictators, callous drug traffickers, powerful corporate leaders—no one wants to be the wimp everyone takes advantage of. But is that what it means to be meek?

When Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek," He was not advocating a spineless acceptance of life or a doormat mentality. He was telling His followers to be submissive to God and willing to put their strength under His control.

Think of it this way: There is a wonderful cooperation between a powerful horse and its rider. An animal of tremendous size and strength, seven or eight times the weight of a man, submits itself to its master's control. A horse may race, leap, turn, prance, or stand motionless at the rider's slightest command. That's strength under perfect control. And that defines the Christian concept of meekness.

When we willingly place ourselves under the control of God, we are following the example of Jesus Himself while He lived on this earth. He submitted His power to the Father's will (Jn. 5:30; 6:38; Heb. 10:9).

Yes, there's great strength in meekness. It's the power of God's Spirit working through us when we yield to Him.  — David C. Egner