How to Teach with Meekness
Power
Have you ever met a teacher that was power hungry? They seem to be strict, even when the class is behaving well? I have found that these teachers make it difficult for other teacher to take over their classroom. As soon as those students discover a teacher who allows them to have some freedom, even just a little bit more than what their strict teacher allows for, chaos ensues. It's almost as if they are rebelling against the unnecessarily strict rules. Essentially, the main teacher in this situation is abusing her power. While meekness involves the acquisition of power, it also involves the control of it. The worldly version of "meekness" is usually synonymous with "weakness." Rarely anything in the kingdom of God is associated with weakness.
Our Leader
According to HELPS word-studies, "Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control- i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness." One of the most unfortunate lies from the enemy is that God is an all-powerful dictator. A dictator does not allow for other people's opinions, but a benevolent God does. In order to understand how to exercise meekness, we must first learn how Jesus did it. There are many instances where Jesus exerted His authority under God's control. In Mark Chapter 11, the teachers of the law came to Jesus and asked Him by what authority His actions were permitted. Note that they felt the need to ask Jesus about the authority He used. They were most likely asking in order to trap Him, but nonetheless they asked. If Jesus was working from an authority presented to Him by man, I doubt the religious teachers would have even asked him where His authority came from. When we walk in our God-given authority, there is a uniqueness about our presence, or rather the presence of God upon us. Exerting meekness is about establishing authority when authority is needed. There are some instances in the Bible were Jesus offered compassion rather than assertiveness. This is still a form of power under God's control. It just allows for a different side of the same picture to be seen. God always teaches us how to balance our lives. As humans, we tend to naturally favor one side of the teaching to the other. Ask God to help you learn how to keep that balance. Allowing meekness to flow out of you while teaching is the result of following God at the pace that He sets. Maybe we need more authority present in our classrooms. I know I did when I first started teaching. Maybe we need to delve into the soft spots within our heart and allow the harshness in our voice to dissipate. By following God and asking Him to help you, you will enter into the practice of becoming meek effortlessly.