The Meaning of 'Mean'

I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God that you have.

— 2 Timothy 1:6 NAB

Quote

O thou who camest from above

The fire celestial to impart,

Kindle a flame of sacred love

On the mean altar of my heart.

— Charles Wesley, 1762

Two dormant Christmas trees lay on the ground, awaiting the bonfire. Kindling a flame from these dry trees will be easy, I thought.

Yet it proved harder than expected and took much coaxing. Perhaps the trunks were too damp or cold but—whatever the reason—they resisted bursting forth into flame.

Charles Wesley's hymn speaks of the "mean altar" of the heart. I believe 'mean' to be defined as ‘humble’ in this case, but the word mean can also describe unkindness—actions which generate damp, cold, unwelcome feelings.

The human sinful condition can bring forth the error of meannness/unkindness. But if the altar of the heart is mean (humble), then perhaps we can recognize when mean (unkind) tendencies arise and ward them off, thus allowing for the Lord's flame to spring forth.

When someone is unkind to us, we can take the hurt to God and let it contribute to the altar of our heart being humble. When we are unkind to someone else, we can practice humility by confessing our sins.

Prayer

Lord, when my heart is damp, cold, proud, or unwelcoming, please keep working to kindle Your flame within me.

Thought

A cold, damp, proud heart makes it hard for the celestial fire to burn.

Question

What type of 'mean' best describes my heart today? Is it the 'mean' that speaks of humility, or the 'mean' that suggests an unwelcome, unkind state of being?

PRISM™ Visio Divina: Play the meditative music and go through the P.R.I.S.M. steps as outlined below. Be blessed.

Meaning of Mean

3:29

PRAY to quiet your heart

READ through the devotion

IMMERSE yourself in the picture

SELECT a phrase to repeat

MARK down your divine insight  

Thank you for reading Devotions from the Olive Grove!

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~ Encouragement for the caregiver:  Minding Mom: A Caregiver's Devotional Story 

~ In Guideposts' Inspiration from the Garden devotional you'll find devotions by yours' truly about the hardy pansy, a godly organic farmer, and perennial friendships.