A black belt

We have been working on improving our budgeting of our resources.

And we have been considering ways to give more to those in need.

And we have been thinking about how to tell the difference between what we need and what we have.  (Like many people, we have more than we actually need.)

Recently, as I dressed, I was reminded that my black leather belt had finally broken beyond repair the week before.  Before it broke, I owned three belts: that black one, one brown one, and one multi-colored one.

So, I considered again how to go about replacing that black belt that I wear to hold up my black pants.  I have money in my budget to purchase one.  Salvation Army might have one that fit me.  Or one of the local department stores might have one that fits the bill.

But then this morning I read a telling “widows mite” story in the newsletter I occasionally get from a local charitable organization which I respect and to which I have donated.  And it made me review, in my mind, budgeting, giving. and needs versus wants.

What if, instead of replacing the belt, or saving money by not replacing the belt, I instead lived with two belts instead of three and donated the cost of a belt to a charitable cause?

What if, every time some personal or household item wore out, I not only thought about whether or not it was actually needful that I replace it, but also, if it was not in fact needful,  whether or not forgoing replacing it, and then sending the replacement cost to a good cause instead, might not be a good idea?

Do I NEED to wear a black belt with black pants?  How important to me is saving those $10?   How important is either one to me on my scale of priorities?  Is there something I might consider doing instead?

Meekness reviewed

An excerpt from

A Gentle Spirit Is Very Precious to God

Written by Martin G. Collins

In English, "meek" comes from the Old Norse word mjuker, meaning soft. You see there where the English of meekness has come to mean soft or weak.

In modern English the terms meekness and mildness, which are commonly used for this Greek word, suggest weakness and cowardliness to a greater or lesser extent. But, the Greek word prautes does not express this.

The meekness manifested by God and given to the saints, is the fruit of power. It is enduring injury with patience and without resentment. Resentment is a feeling of indignant displeasure or persistent ill will at something regarded as a wrong, an insult, or an injury. The spirit of God cannot dwell in the heart of someone who is harsh or resentful.

Meekness and gentleness are to be "put on" with other Christian virtues such as compassion, lowliness, and patience as Paul taught the saints and faithful brethren of the church in Colossae.

Even though there were arrogant people in the church at Corinth, gentleness was Paul's preferred means of dealing with them.

I Corinthians 4:21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

Paul had a tremendous love for the faithful in all the congregations of God, but his love was not mere blind sentimentality. He knew they sometimes needed discipline, and he was prepared to use it. But, he wanted to see them respond in repentance so he could show them the meekness and gentleness of Christ in his approach. That was always his preferred approach.

In speaking of his ministry among the Thessalonians, Paul's gentleness takes on a maternal image.

I Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

You see there an indication of how the ministry should deal with the members of the church. Just as a mother who cherishes her own children does.

Remember where Paul's, and our, meekness and gentleness originated. We already read the answer in II Corinthians.

II Corinthians 10:1 "Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness [Greek prauteetos] and gentleness [Greek epieikeias] of Christ."

Then he goes on to talk about the weapons of the world. On the contrary, we have divine power to tear down evil strongholds. We are not carried away by rage, personal vindictiveness, greed, or pride. But, with the gentleness of Christ we can triumph powerfully. Gentleness is one of the spiritual weapons that we use against those sins of the world that are so harsh.

Meekness and gentleness appear in the Bible among lists of virtues, and two corresponding themes are associated with them. God commands us to behave that way and rewards are promised to people who display these virtues of meekness and gentleness.

How do meekness and gentleness relate to one another? Meekness is both internal and external in its execution in one's life. Gentleness is one of the best English words to express the outward operation of meekness.

II Corinthians 10:1 refers to Christ's meekness (prauteetos) and gentleness (epieikeia). They are indicated as separate virtues that Christ has and that we should desire. Meekness describes a condition of the mind and heart—an internal attitude—whereas gentleness describes mildness combined with tenderness. It refers to actions, that is, external behavior. They go hand in hand, they work together.

Described negatively, meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is evenness of mind that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all.

Gentleness is never a false modesty, a self-depreciation, or a spineless refusal to stand for anything. It is never a cowardly retreat from reality that substitutes a passive selfishness for true gentleness and avoids trouble in ways that allow even greater trouble to develop. Neither is it a false humility that refuses to recognize that God has given us talents and abilities, or that refuses to use them for His glory.

Full text here:  https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Audio.details/ID/1494/Meekness-Gentleness-Christ.htm

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