The Magnet of Meekness

You and I are by nature proud. That’s the gravitational pull of our fallen minds.

Most of our pride isn’t obvious because we’re (hopefully) socially sophisticated enough to avoid blatant strutting and we know how to politely honor social etiquette and protocols. Most pride lies under the surface and subtly shows itself in our attitudes related to our giftings, knowledge, dedication, appearance, resources, or position (Jer. 17:9). It also has a tendency to creep out while we’re “processing” with a close friend.

So how do we combat it?

Simply put: keep staring at, talking to, and listening to the meekest man to ever walk the earth.

"Meekness is a magnet that attracts the presence of God."

The only character trait Jesus declared about Himself was that He was meek (Mt. 11:28-30). His promise for those who come to Him is that they would find the same rest, freedom, joy, and happy spirit that He had no matter the circumstance.

When you embrace humility, you're aligning yourself with the character of Jesus, thus invoking more of His manifest presence (2 Cor. 3:18).

Meekness is like a magnet that attracts the presence of God.

However, humility for its own sake isn’t the end goal. Greater connectedness to Jesus and living in vibrant, free relationships with those around you is the ultimate goal. 

"When you embrace humility, you are aligning yourself with the character of Jesus, thus invoking more of His manifest presence."

It doesn’t matter where you find yourself today. You could be struggling with envy and pride towards someone close by or at a distance. Regardless of where you're at, He welcomes you with open arms and says come.

You who are heavy laden, with its many expressions of emotional pain, anxiety, and fear caused by being mistreated and overlooked, come.

He has a light burden for you - it looks like enjoying your life, no matter the challenges, because you’ve found fellowship with the most beautiful, humble God who is passionately in love with you. It looks like receiving grace to obey Him even when outward circumstances aren't easy or light (Jn. 13:1-17, 15:13, 1 Cor. 13:4-6, Phil. 2:3-10, 1 Jn. 4:8).

"Humility for its own sake isn’t the end goal. Greater connectedness to Jesus and living in vibrant, free relationships with those around you is the goal."

Humility is the doorway by which you enter into greater union with Jesus because He’s already walked the most humble path imaginable. Jesus said pick up your cross and follow Me, walk the path that I walked because it’s the path that leads to abundant life.

The most important issue of being a disciple of Jesus is to learn meekness from Him. Regularly ask Him to teach you about it - to give you insight into the specifics of walking it out and to release inspiration to embrace it with joy (Isa. 50:6, 53, Mt. 13:55, 21:5, Jn. 5:41, 6:38, 13:1-17, Rom. 15:3, 2 Cor. 8:9, Phil. 2:7, Heb. 4:15, 5:7, 12:2).

Humility has been one of the most liberating messages in my own life. And I believe it will be in yours as well. 

Have you experienced the magnet of meekness in your own life?

"Humility is the doorway by which you enter into greater union with Jesus because He’s already walked the most humble path imaginable."

Huge thanks to my friend Jordan Vanderplate for letting me use this photo from the Grand Canyon. Check out more of his work here.