"And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified '" (v. 11)

For Reading and Meditation:     1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Yesterday we touched on the point that the universe will not respond to the aggressive, who approach it in a demanding spirit. It is the meek - those who are yielded, submissive and compliant - who inherit the earth. Thomas Huxley is quoted as saying something which we commented on earlier: "Science says to sit down before the facts like a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, be willing to be led to whatever end nature will lead you, or you will know nothing." Today we must focus our thinking on the fact that the quality of meekness (sometimes translated as humility or gentleness) described in the Beatitudes is not the result of natural temperament, but comes from knowing Christ and abiding in Him. That goes, of course, for all the qualities enunciated in the Beatitudes - they are spiritual characteristics, not natural ones. This point needs elaborating, for there are many Christians who say: "I am aggressive by nature, so it is not possible for me to be a meek and mild person." Every Christian, whatever their natural temperament, is meant to be meek. It is not a matter of natural disposition; it is a quality produced by the Spirit of God. Think of the powerful and extraordinary nature of a man like David - and yet observe his meekness. Look at a man like Paul the apostle, a master mind, a powerful and outstanding personality, yet consider his great humility and gentleness. How did these men get to be like this? Not because of a natural proneness toward meekness, but because they were indwelt by Christ and the Holy Spirit. It is not a matter of genes; it is a matter of grace.

My Father and my God, help me to face up to the fact that whatever I am by nature, I can be changed by the power of Your grace. Show me how to absorb that grace so that I become more and more like You. For Your own dear Name's sake. Amen.