“Lord, make me childlike. Deliver me from the urge to compete with another for place or prestige or position. I would be simple and artless as a little child. Deliver me from pose and pretense. Forgive me for thinking of myself. Help me to forget myself and find my true peace in beholding Thee. That Thou may answer this prayer I humble myself before Thee.
Lay upon me Thy easy yoke of self-forgetfulness that through it I may find res.
Amen”
Pg. 120
Discussion
Tozer’s central point is that much of our inner exhaustion comes from protecting our pride and managing how others see us. Christ’s meekness offers relief from this rat race but it requires us to give up many of the things we think are important..
1. Jesus challenges the world’s values.
The Beatitudes commend humility, mercy, and purity, while society often rewards pride, competition, and retaliation.
“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15
Discussion Questions:
What attitudes does the world reward that Jesus teaches us to surrender?
How can something gain other people’s approval while still being displeasing to God?
Where do you feel the strongest pressure to follow the world’s values?
2. Pride is an exhausting burden.
Defending our importance makes criticism, rejection, and being overlooked laborous.
“Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
Discussion Questions:
Why does being overlooked or corrected sometimes provoke such a strong reaction?
How can we distinguish defending what is true from defending our own importance?
What would change if we received criticism with a willingness to learn before responding?
3. His Meekness is our rest.
“The burden is not a local one, peculiar to those first in hearers, but one which is borne by the whole human race. It consists not of political oppression or poverty or hard work. It is far deeper than that. It is felt by the rich as well as the poor, for it is something from which welath and idleness can never deliver us…..Rest is simply release from that burden.”
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are havy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto oyour souls.” Matt 11:28-30
Discussion Questions:
In light of the Sermon on the Mount and Christ’s call for us to be meek, what does meekness look like in Jesus’ life, and what should it look like in ours?
4. Pretense keeps us comparing ourselves with others.
Trying to appear richer, wiser, or more accomplished is hard work that points back to self.
“For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” 2 Corinthians 10:12
Discussion Questions:
When has comparison made it difficult to enjoy something you were previously thankful for?
In what areas are you most tempted to measure your worth against someone else?
How would your priorities change if your goal were faithfulness to God rather than appearing successful?
5. Artificiality keeps us afraid of being exposed.
Maintaining an impressive image is a house of cards that could collapse at any moment. The meekness of Christ frees us to live in the reality of Truth.
“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.” Proverbs 29:25
Discussion Questions:
What is exhausting about trying to maintain an image that does not reflect who we really are?
Why can admitting “I don’t know” or “I was wrong” feel threatening?
6. Rest comes through surrender to Christ.
Learning His humility releases our need for admiration and allows us to focus on pleasing God.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29–30
Discussion Questions:
What connection does Jesus make between learning His meekness and finding rest?
What burden of pride, comparison, or pretense are you carrying that Christ calls you to surrender?
What practical choice could you make this week to please God without seeking recognition from others?