Chips Are for Salsa, Not Your Shoulder

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).

Meekness isn’t highly regarded, but society applauds self-importance and divisiveness. It is fashionable to wear a chip on your shoulder. We can’t scroll social media without witnessing these unsavory attitudes on full display. Being “meek” is mostly defined as being gentle, patient, and humble—demonstrating patient restraint. Some people confuse meekness with weakness, yet a meek person CHOOSES gentleness and allows God to guide them. “Speak evil to no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2).

Jesus Christ lived His earthly life personifying meekness. He said in Matthew 11:29, “Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” This same Jesus boldly entered the Temple, turned over tables, and drove out the money changers and merchants. He said they were turning God’s house of prayer “into a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:12-13). Jesus also repeatedly condemned Jewish leadership for their hypocrisy toward those they were supposed to shepherd and lead. Jesus was meek while fiercely defending what was right. Jesus was insulted, had His character questioned, and was treated incredibly unfairly. But he chose to humbly submit to the will of the Father, even in His death. There was no weakness in Jesus, but rather, the greatest strength we’ve ever known.

We, too, are called to have humility and meekness like Jesus. Though this can be difficult, it expresses that we value people, who are made in God’s own image. Seek God first and trust Him to know what he is doing—in our thoughts, words, and actions. Those who follow God and His example will prosper!

Guiding Points:

Call to Action: How can we be gentler in our attitudes and interactions with people? Practice meekness and self-control when dealing with people online and in our daily exchanges with people. Avoid confrontations and remember the person on the other side of a conflict is fighting their own battles. Pray that God will show you how to grow in this area.

“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city” (Proverbs 16:32).

“A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Psalm 37:10- 11).

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we praise You today for being the perfect model of meekness and humility. We want to be more like You! Please help us to grow and improve in this area. Give us the patience to deal with the people we communicate with. In Your precious and holy name, we pray, Amen!

Final Thought: We can be meek AND strong, secure in our identity as a son or daughter of the King.