Christmas is coming soon. We will all be decorating our homes. Have you ever noticed how plain your Christmas tree is until you put ornaments on it? Ornaments make it beautiful. What truly makes a woman beautiful? What ornament does God command that women use to make themselves beautiful in His eyes? The KJV of the Bible states that women should be characterized with "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit."
Many other versions translate "meek" into "gentle." Meek is a powerful word that is packed full with meaning that encompasses gentleness, but a whole lot more. Becoming meek is becoming like Jesus. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls {Matthew 11:29}.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss did an entire series on women developing a meek spirit. I studied the entire series and am going to summarize it in two posts for you. If you have time, I encourage you to do the whole series also. It is powerful and very convicting. If you work on becoming meek, you will automatically become submissive to your husband and gentle with others. It is a VERY important ornament to decorate your life with. It is the BEST gift you can give to your husband and others!
Most women have a problem with talking too much; meekness, on the other hand, means you don't overwhelm others with words by talking fast and intensely. You don't run others over with rough words and by steamrolling them with your opinions. Instead, you are kind and considerate {Colossians 3:12; 1 Timothy 6:11}. The opposite of meekness is self-assertiveness; standing up for your rights, demanding, speaking your mind and having it your way. All of these things are championed in today's culture. Young women are taught to be characterized by these qualities which are in complete opposition to meekness which is teachable, humble and open to counsel.
I know this to be true. I have been mentoring women for ten years now. It isn't an easy thing to do today with the opinionated and self-assertive young women. Many don't want to learn from me and think they know better. However, if they continue to listen to God's Word, I have seen hearts soften and a willingness to learn. It is a beautiful thing!
Many believe that being meek is being weak. This is completely false. Meekness is not being mousy, spineless, having no opinions, weak, fragile, wimpy, brainless or pitiful. A Bible dictionary defines it this way; "Meekness is an attitude of humility towards God and gentleness towards people, springing from a recognition that God is in control." The Webster-Miriam dictionary defines it this way; "Meekness is enduring injury with patience and without resentment." Matthew Henry wrote, "Meekness is a gracious, easiness of spirit. It accommodates the soul to every occurrence and so makes a man easy to himself and to all about him." In other words, don't make others uptight! Make it easy and comfortable for others to be with you.
Do you know any meek women? How would you describe them? I would love for any of you to describe women in your life who are meek in the comment section. I bet you love being around them. They may not be beautiful in the world's eyes, but they are sure beautiful in yours!
HERE is the follow up post on meekness!
HERE is the follow up post on meekness!
Kathy · 539 weeks ago
I believe the more I have followed your blog and am trying to follow through with your advice, I have become more meek. I thank you, because it does make life more pleasant. Not only for myself but all others that I am with. Keep it coming Lori. There are so many of us that need you and all if your wise and sound advice. Blessings to you and yours always.
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
younggodlywomen 25p · 539 weeks ago
Meekness is an aquired skill, not something you're born with like natural shyness for example. Thanks for this great reminder Lori!
The woman that comes to mind when reading this is my husband's cousin. She is young and newly married. She is inviting, always smiling, witty, funny, pretty, nice and seems to embody all of these things about meekness that you describe. From the very minute I first met her she was highly admired by me. My husband has always admired her too. This type of personality is attractive to men.
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
Kathy in Illinois · 539 weeks ago
Thank you for the reminder.
God bless, Kathy in Illinois
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
Wendy · 539 weeks ago
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
Patt · 539 weeks ago
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
FREEINDEED · 539 weeks ago
I recently ran into a man that I went to elementary school with. He recognized me and approached me. I was so excited to see him I was in tears. He was such a good friend to me when I was a child! And we haven't seen one another for several decades! His family was looking at me like I was so bizarre to be so excited. There have been many times in my life like this where I felt like my personality was just "too much" for some people.
My mother in law told a story over Thanksgiving about how enthusiastic I was to introduce myself to her as a pre-teen. How I just bounced up to them and introduced myself, informing them that I was their son's friend! The impression she did of me was loud and exaggerated and non-complimentary.
I guess I struggle, Lori, with my natural passion, friendliness, and enthusiasm. I know that it is good to be meek but I am NOT meek!! And as hard as I try,pray, give it to Yahweh, HE is not changing that about me at this time. I am also passionate and enthusiastic about HIM - maybe he just made me that way!?!
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
FREEINDEED · 539 weeks ago
I have never thought I was a meek person, but I do understand what you are saying, so maybe I am after all! WooHoo!
Of course, because of my spirited personality, I know have been some of those awful things you mentioned at times too :( Praise Yahweh for His Grace!
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
Anonymous · 539 weeks ago
FREEINDEED · 539 weeks ago
You may be right about the attention seeking. I will earnestly pray that He will show me the motivations of my enthusiasm, and that they may always remain pure. Thank you!
Sheree · 539 weeks ago
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
hiswife522 43p · 539 weeks ago
I really don't know many women who I would truly describe as meek. My neighbor is one of those few I do know. She is the meekest lady I have ever met. I often tell my husband I feel like a bull in a china shop when I'm with her. But she is gracious and puts up with me. She is truly a lovely lady, who I would love to learn more from, although we are about the same age.
Thank you for the challenge.
Lori Alexander 122p · 539 weeks ago
hiswife522 43p · 539 weeks ago
Jo · 539 weeks ago