"I'll Show You!"

“I’ll show you!” Those are fighting words. Those are words that declare, “I’m stronger than you. I can take you and I will.” Those are words that precede stepping into action. Those are words that declare the situation is going to be taken under control. However, that may not be the demonstration of TRUE STRENGTH, nor of the greatest control for that matter.

Solomon noted…
“WHOEVER IS SLOW TO ANGER IS BETTER THAN THE MIGHTY, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” ( Proverbs 16:32 ESV)

Many are the mighty who cannot control themselves. That is why there continues to be conflict and unrest in this world. Might does not necessarily make right. Might can often times be wrong.

The kind of strength Solomon referred to was demonstrated by our Lord. Jesus, who could have called twelve legions (one legion of Romans soldiers equaled 6000 men during the time of Christ) of angels ( Matthew 26:53), RESTRAINED that power, surrendered to the “authorities” and fulfilled the Father’s plan. When Jesus was on the cross and was chided by those who dared Him to prove Himself ( Matthew 27:42), He remained where He had been nailed. Though the Jewish leaders involved in sending Christ to the cross may have felt proud of the authority they had exercised and the Romans who carried out the crucifixion may have taken pride in their connection to Roman authority, the One who had “all authority” ( Matthew 28:18) POWERFULLY showed Himself to be “better than the mighty.” He RESTRAINED the power He could have exercised and the control of His own spirit was greater than the rule that might be held over a city.

That is what meekness is; POWER UNDER CONTROL. It is a spirit we need to learn as we consider the example of our Lord. It is one of the ways we can be Jesus to those around us. The meek and gentle spirit is an uncommon quality that can have a POWERFUL IMPACT on those around us. Like Jesus, let us entrust ourselves to the One who will ultimately judge and sort it all out ( 1 Peter 2:23) as we allow a Christ-like spirit to become more and more evident in the way we interact with others. Rather than being quick to react, let us instead be motivated to act in Christ’s gentle loving manner of meeting others where they are and pointing them to Him.

Have a great day SHOWING THE TRUE STRENGTH THAT BEGINS WITHIN!
Carl

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