From J. C. Philpot's Daily Portions
October 31 "Seek meekness." Zephaniah 2:3 How are we to follow after this grace of meekness? By
learning the contrary. How often have we mistaken false fire for the light
and fire of God's Spirit! and have contended more for our own views, in our
own spirit, with many rash and unbecoming words, rather than for the glory
of God. But after a time we are led to see that strife and contention, in
our own spirit, are contrary to the spirit and temper of the gospel, and are
brought to see what a blessed grace the spirit of meekness is. No, the very
lack of it, the risings up of an excited temper, the anger, strife, envy,
and jealousy that often work in our bosoms convince us how little we know of
"the meekness and gentleness of Christ." We thus feel what a blessing it is
to be made humble and submissive; and how impossible it is to enter into
communion with a broken-hearted Jesus, until the soul is in some measure
meekened by his Spirit. But it is by having a succession of things to try and
provoke us, that we learn whether we have meekness or not. The husband can
be very meek, while his wife and children are doing everything to please
him; but where is his meekness when they thwart and provoke him? The master
may be very meek, while the servant is obedient, obliging, and attentive,
but how is he when things are different? Thus the knowledge of the disease
makes us desire the remedy; and by the wretched sensations caused by wrath
and evil temper, we are brought to desire an experience of those sweet
feelings which gospel meekness produces in our consciences.