Strength Under Control

By Dare Ishola

“A strong man is not the man who has the strength to fight but he who can control his anger.”

I once believed that an anger not expressed is a show of weakness. But when I stumbled on the word of Jesus in Matthew 5:5, which says “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” And the book of Proverbs 16:32 which says “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Then I got the understanding that meekness on its own is power and strength subjected with a humble spirit. Being meek is a powerful tool in the hand of a Christian to winning the world around them including their neighbours and people in their neighbourhood.

The word meek refers to a kind and gentle spirit. It must be noted that meekness is not a weakness as the world sees it; “it is power under control.” A lot of Christians today have lost the world around them and their neighbours due to anger. Anger which many believe to be a show of strength has destroyed the relationship between Christians and their neighbours.

One important key in getting along with others, is first, getting along with yourself.  You can not see others properly until you see yourself properly. Nothing is as strong as your ability to control your anger; nothing so meek as real strength. It is a great strength and honour to put your temper under control. Reacting to every hurt is not a show of strength neither is allowing some things pass a show of weakness but rather of maturity in dealing with yourself. Meekness on your mind and your neighbours is similitude to how two goats respond when they meet each other in a narrow path above a stream of water.  They can not turn back and they can not pass each other for they lack even an inch of spare room. Nature has taught one goat to lie down so that the other can pass over its body; as a result, each goat arrives at its destination safe and sound. You can have everything you want in life if you can just help enough other people to get what they want.

“An unbroken horse is useless, an overdose of medicine kills rather than cures; wind out of control destroys everything in its path.” -James Meritt

Embrace meekness and win the world around you.