A Closed Mouth
The most powerful examples of meekness in the crucible come from Jesus. When He said to come and "learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29, NKJV), He meant it in ways we probably can't imagine.
Read 1 Peter 2:18-25. Peter is offering some surprising advice to slaves. He describes how Jesus responded to unjust and painful treatment and suggests to them that He has left them "an example, that you should follow His steps" (1 Pet. 2:21, NKJV). What principles of meekness and humility in the crucible can we learn from Jesus' example, as expressed here by Peter?
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It is terrible to watch someone else unjustly treat another. And it is extremely painful when we are at the receiving end of such treatment. Because we normally have a strong sense of justice, when injustice occurs our instincts are to "put things right" while carrying what we believe to be a righteous and just anger.
It is not easy to live like this. It is perhaps impossible unless we embrace one critical truth that in all unjust situations, we must believe that our Father in heaven is in control and that He will act on our behalf when it is according to His will. This also means that we must be open to the possibility that like Jesus, we may not always be saved from injustice. But we must always remember that our Father in heaven is still with us and in charge.
Peter's advice, modeled from Jesus' life, is surprising because it seems to be that silence in the face of unjust suffering is a greater witness to the glory of God than "putting people right." When questioned by Caiaphas and Pilate, Jesus could have said a lot of things to correct the situation and to justify Himself, but He didn't. His silence was a testimony to His meekness.
How do you deal with situations in which you have been treated unfairly? How can you better apply some of the principles looked at here today to your own life?
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1 comment:
It's very difficult to stand and take unjust treatment and say nothing. One has to deliberate on when it is appropriate to speak out against unjust treatment or to keep quiet. Like Jesus, when my name is maligned or I am unfairly treated, I have to let truth speak for itself. There are times (i.e someone suffering under abusive circumstances, racial prejudice) when one has to speak out against injustice. When Rosa Parks sat down at the front of the bus or when the college students sat down in the diner speaking out against prejudice, are just two of many perfect examples.
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