Business and the Beatitudes

Meekness

"Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." 

Colossians 3: 12

"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth." One of the most common questions for Christians is- "are Christians suppose to be a doormat?"  A doormat is usually thought of as someone who gets stepped on. It signifies a person with no rights, no will, and is easily conquered. Is that the picture of a Christian?  In scripture we are told to be bold and strong in the Lord, and to offer the other cheek as well. So how does a person accomplish meekness and boldness?

The characteristics we normally associate with meekness seem to have no place in the business world. Todays business climate demands toughness, power, firmness, and absolute authority. Can we be all this and be meek at the same time?

First we need to define meekness. In this case, Jesus is talking about humility, not in attitude as He described in poor in spirit, but in behavior. This meekness also signifies discipline. It is a person who, through humility, disiplines himself to be strong and authoritative over the right things, at the right time, and in an humble way. It is to allow God to work through a person who has a heart of humility, a spirit of mourning, and has disciplined himself to allow God to use these characteristics to accomplish His purpose in the marketplace.    

People who are meek are leaders and not doormats. No man can lead until he has mastered himself. A meek businessman disciplines himself to never fly off the handle, but strives to be in control of his faculties at all times. Submitting himself to God, a meek person can be angry, but angry in the right way and at the right things. He holds strong to his values and is seen as a pillar of strength by the business community.

Jesus says this type meekness will bring success, influence, position, and authority. Such a man was Moses. Moses conquered Pharoah, led one million people, ruled with a strong hand, held his people accountable, but did all this under a behavior controlled by God. He was truly a gentle, kind, and meek person. But he was also a picture of a roaring lion, a lion tamed by the person of Jesus.  Moses was a picture of a man who was willing to be taught.

We, too, are to be men of strong character, gentle as a lamb, but never wavering in our stand for Christ. We have disciplined ourselves to always be under God's control. Our humility exemplifies that there is always more to learn. Jesus has promised that we will live in all that His creation offers.