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Because God created us in His image, we share many of His attributes. Unfortunately, sin has grossly distorted our versions of them with pride, impatience, and selfishness. This especially applies to our sense of justice, which often causes us to demand our way when we feel wronged or believe we deserve something. While this behavior may bring temporary satisfaction, striving for self-centered justice prevents us from obeying God's call to be humble and submissive.
A crucial part to this godly lifestyle is meekness. Mentioned multiple times throughout Scripture, this attribute refers to a lifestyle of gentleness and humility. Such is a life that puts others before self and is wholly dedicated to godly servitude, which Jesus perfectly exemplified all His life. However, Philippians 2:6-8 describe another key aspect of meekness He flawlessly demonstrated: denying our right or power to do something that would serve ourselves, but harm or offend others. In Christ's case, although He had every right as God's Son to leave us doomed to eternal judgment, He humbly set aside His deity, willingly suffered countless trials, and graciously gave His life for our salvation. It is this perfect example of meekness that we are called to imitate.
Despite this, doing so is impossible in our own strength because it goes against our very nature. For example, although 1 Peter 2:23 notes how Christ never reacted to others' mockery or hateful comments, we believe it is our right to angrily respond in these situations. Also, while the same verse records how He never threatened those who mistreated Him, we quickly seek vengeance when others hurt or disadvantage us. In addition, though He calls us to not retaliate when others attack or steal from us in Matthew 5:39-40, we frequently disobey this command because we prioritize justice for ourselves. Thus, because we are self-focused by nature, we have no ability in ourselves to respond with meekness in these situations.
Fortunately, James 3:3 illustrates the solution to this predicament with a horse and bit. In this verse, he notes how people use a bit (a small metal bar) to control a horse by placing the bar in its mouth. When combined with a bridle, the bit applies pressure to the horse's mouth, which is used to direct its entire body. Despite the immense strength a horse possesses, it can be used for the riders' will with a tiny metal bar. Although James applied this illustration to controlling the tongue, it demonstrates our need for a totally surrendered life to grow in meekness.
Moreover, the Scriptures explain how we apply this spiritual bit of surrender. For example, it starts with recognizing and submitting to the Holy Spirit's ownership of our bodies, as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 note. Next, we must, through His power, obey James 1:21 by exchanging our sinful, self-centered behaviors for humble obedience to God's Word. Third, our obedience causes the Spirit's fruit, including gentleness (Gal. 5:22-23), to replace our fleshly attitudes. Finally, this obedient, Spirit-filled life enables us to follow 1 Peter 2:18-20 by willfully accepting unjust suffering without retaliation. While yielding to this spiritual bit requires painful self-sacrifice, it provides the sole means to live a meek and submissive life to God.
Although meekness is required to live in obedience to God, our self-centered natures make it impossible to achieve ourselves. Thankfully, as the horse is controlled by its bit, so are we guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit through completely submitting our lives to Him. It is this Spirit-filled life of meekness and surrender that empowers us to overcome our pride, be content during unjust suffering, and lead others to Christ through properly exemplifying Him.
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