Will You Reflect Christ When Provoked?
A few days ago I had an experience at work and it was another lesson The Holy Spirit taught me in MEEKNESS, POSTURE and IDENTITY.
There is a co-worker who is often ill-mannered and attempts to intimidate. One morning, when relieving her shift, I chose not to say “good morning.” I chose to remain silent that day.
After she left, I heard clearly The Holy Spirit speak to me: “Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven!” (Matthew 5:16 KJV)
I immediately repented…
The Bible tells us in the book of Luke 12,
“But he that knew not and committed things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48.
As children of God there is a higher standard that is expected of us especially in our character.
Many of us are praying for elevation, influence, leadership, prophetic clarity, or open doors. But elevation requires submission.
We cannot kick against the prick. (Acts 9:5 )
The Holy Spirit refines small reactions because small reactions reveal internal posture.
I believe that The Holy Spirit was not only correcting me, but He was perfecting representation.
How many of us are only able to show kindness to those who are kind to us?
How are we able to handle people with an abrasive personality, religious spirits, and exudes hostile energy?
If someone’s behavior makes us withdraw goodness, that means our goodness was conditional.
If our kindness disappears when mistreated, then it was not light it was preference.
Disrespect tried to provoke the ego but when our light shines regardless of atmosphere, we reveal the Father.
And sometimes the greatest witness is not a sermon, It is composure…
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. ” Romans 12:21 KJV.
Will we be able to bear fruit in any environment?
Another lesson, you can be spiritually authoritative and still operate in meekness!
- Authority without meekness becomes control.
- Meekness without authority becomes passivity.
- But authority governed by meekness becomes Christlike leadership.
Most people misunderstand meekness… Meekness is not Timidity, Weakness, Passivity or being a walk over!
Biblically, meekness is strength under submission to God.
The Greek word used in the New Testament (praus) describes a war horse that has been trained. The horse still has power. It is simply governed.
That is meekness.
“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3 KJV.
- Moses confronted Pharaoh.
- Split the Red Sea.
- Called down plagues.
Yet Scripture calls him the meekest man alive.
We can learn from Yeshua the Messiah in Matthew 11,
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart…” Matthew 11:29 KJV.
- The One who calmed storms.
- Cast out devils.
- Commanded legions of angels.
Said He was meek and this is because His power was never reactionary, It was submitted.
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5 KJV.
Why would the meek inherit?
Because only those who can govern themselves can be trusted to govern influence.
If God elevates someone who cannot control reaction, they misuse authority… Meekness proves maturity…
Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas
Love this..thank you.
Amen! Pray for those that despitefully use you to be blessed and a soft answer turns away wrath and on and on the scriptures tells us to be kind regardless! However, just yesterday I reacted poorly to an insult. Instead of the soft answer and simply saying the Lord bless you, I defended myself and pointed out their short comings. If the Lord blesses them they will see that for themselves! Forgive me Jesus and help me to do better!
I am also learning from this Dear vessel of God. You often present your God given words without fear or with Divine authority. May God continue to fill your mouth with wisdom Dear syreeta. Thank you so much.