Meekness & Purpose

To dive deeper into the guiding principles of Jack and Samson, let’s explore meekness. Modern society has twisted the meaning of this term from its roots. In the Beatitudes, delivered during the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5), Jesus declares, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” If you’re like me, this might initially feel off-putting. “Are we supposed to be weak and timid?” Thankfully, that’s not the whole story. Meekness is not what we typically thing (i.e. weakness) but is in reality a balanced state of humility and strength— it is power under voluntary control.

The dictionary often defines meekness as a virtue of humility, gentleness, or forbearance under provocation. But, even at that, don’t mistake Matthew 5:5 as a call to be soft, weak,  or cowardly. Scripture also urges us to “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Historically, “meek” wasn’t tied to docility. Its origins trace to descriptions of warhorses—powerful, fearless animals tamed to submit to their rider’s command. A warhorse is strong yet obedient, charging fearlessly into battle, trusting the warrior atop it. Shouldn’t we approach God’s commands similarly? Like the warhorse, we should be fearless in the face of the unknown, trusting Jesus, our Commander, to lead us.

Too often, we put ourselves in the driver’s seat, treating God like a GPS to guide us toward our desires. Instead, we should fully submit, obeying without question the will of our Commander. This is what Jesus meant in Matthew 5:5: the meek—those who surrender their will to God’s and charge into the fight trusting His plan—will inherit the earth.

Psalm 33 reinforces this. We must not fall into the modern trap of equating meekness with being overly gentle or docile. Few things in history are as formidable as a heavy cavalry charge. A warhorse must be strong, courageous, and steadfast—not just submissive, but capable and even dangerous. Meekness is not weakness; it’s power under control. God calls us to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9), to stand firm (Ephesians 6:13). Yet, Psalm 33:16-17 reminds us: “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The warhorse is a false hope for deliverance.” Ultimate victory comes from God’s will, not our might. As Psalm 33:20 declares, “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Jack and Samson’s call to meekness is rooted in this warhorse imagery, with us as the horse and Christ as the rider. I’ve said from the start that I’m no warrior or soldier, but this message resonates deeply. It departs from the “alpha male” mindset celebrated online. Psalm 33:16-17 clarifies that neither great strength nor the warhorse ensures safety. We must be strong, steadfast, and courageous to live by faith, but our trust lies in God’s strength, not our own.

Let’s extend the analogy further: we are called not only to be warhorses but also workhorses. If you’ve ever seen traditional workhorses—like those used in logging or plowing fields—they are awe-inspiring. The same powerful breeds that charged into battle as warhorses pulled plows and carried heavy loads. For men, this workhorse calling reflects our God-given responsibility to lead and provide for our families. Just as a workhorse toils tirelessly to move burdens and prepare the ground for sowing, men are called to bear the weight of leadership—spiritually, emotionally, and materially. This means providing for our families’ needs (1 Timothy 5:8), guiding them with wisdom, and creating a stable foundation where faith and love can flourish. Leadership as a workhorse isn’t about dominance but about sacrificial service, putting the needs of others before our own, just as Christ modeled (Philippians 2:5-7). The workhorse, like the warhorse, must be strong, capable, and steadfast, enduring long hours of labor without complaint, trusting the Master’s purpose.

To reflect Jack and Samson’s ethos, be both the warhorse and the workhorse. You cannot be truly meek without first being strong—spiritually, mentally, and physically. God doesn’t call us to weakness in mind or body. As men, this means rising to the challenge of leadership: pray for your family, provide for their needs, and protect them with courage. It means carrying the heavy loads—whether financial pressures, emotional support, or spiritual guidance—without faltering. Get up, move, lift the weights, and do the work. This also highlights our need for community, as no horse—or man—bears the burden alone. Earn that seat at the table with those who have come before and established the legacy of greatness.