The Strength of Meek
Of recent days, we've witnessed society fueled by those who display the greatest passion with the loudest voice to a greater degree than ever before. Those who storm the gates with the most powerful force appear to receive the highest level of attention and response. We’ve seen it in both the political arena, as well as world events. It seems these individuals are both admired and revered as they desperately seek to command the greatest level of attention. Whether they are brilliant, or as dumb as a doornail, we give them our attention…at least for a little while.
Much like these individuals, we are no longer limited to such venues such as picket lines and board meetings, as we can now yell, scream and storm the gates of hell on social media, blogs, or other means of technology, removing all limitations of time or space. We see it every day - many times over.
From someone who is a fellow storm-trooper, sometimes yeller, and passionate picketer, I get it. I know what it’s like to have something burn in you so deeply, that you feel you have no choice but to give it a loud voice. Sometimes I feel like Norma Rae (if you get that, it means you're over 40!). It’s like something overrides any decorum or dignity you may possess and catapults you into Hippie Land, causing you to be the boldest, scream the loudest, and display the most passion regarding justice being served. Although there are definitely times for such actions, I’m beginning to re-think this approach.
Of late, I have found myself in that “Sacred Echo” parallel universe, in which over and over, from what seems to be every angle, I can no longer deny God bringing me face-to-face with the concept, practice, and embodiment of meekness - a key component of the character of Jesus Christ Himself. The echoes of His voice, whether it be heard in actual words, pictures, or situations have been undeniable. The challenge keeps repeating itself…“Be meek, as Jesus was meek.”
Psalm 37:11 tells us “the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” Zephaniah 3:12, confirms that it is the “meek and humble, who trust in the Name of the Lord,” who will have a home. In Matthew 5:5, Jesus stated, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” And finally, Paul (yes, bold Paul!) states, in 2 Corinthians 10:1 that it is “By the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you.”
There’s a better way to do this.
In all honestly, the concept of “meekness” scares me – leaving me a bit unhinged. Is God asking me to give up who I am, that passionate side of me that loves justice and delights in fighting for the underdog? Is He requiring me to permanently tone down my voice and personality? Is He going to cataclysmically transform me, resulting in a complete overhaul, rendering me unrecognizable? Or am I supposed to become a doormat - a passionless individual, who just sits by passively, watching the world go by? “Hello, my name is Cammie,” I hear myself say. Then I hear nothing else. Nothing.
Or is the challenge to come to meekness a point of surrender, obedience, and understanding? Is it actually a strength? By my embodiment of meekness, am I declaring that I trust Him to do what needs to be done…to bring about justice? Is He inviting me to partner with Him, allowing Him to work through me, operating in His power and not my own, without engaging my loudness and even anger?
When I think of some of the strongest people I know, I find that most of these individuals possess the characteristic of meekness. My husband, often referred to as a “Gentle Giant,” is physically strong, hovering around 6’1”, broad-shouldered, with a commanding voice and presence. However, when you meet him, it doesn’t take long to realize that, more importantly, he has a strength of character and integrity surpassing most. He is humble and kind. He is meek…but definitely NOT weak! He will take a stand when absolutely everyone else is afraid to do so. He will confront sin or correct when needed, without compromise. He will disagree with you when he feels you are in the wrong, even if friendship is at stake. He will charge the way when there needs to be justice. Trust me, he's even stood in front a bulldozer before, daring it to go past him (long story). However…he will always do all of this, and much more, in meekness and in love.
Someone once told me, “Even when he corrects you, you leave feeling better for it. Because you know he loves you.” He knows that yelling, stomping of feet, shouting, or instilling fear isn’t necessary. In fact, they are a hindrance, as they prevent the listener from hearing and understanding. He gives God room to do the work, which ends with a much greater result. I’m convinced this is one of his greatest strengths in leadership.
Jesus was the mightiest, most powerful, influential leader of all time. He was also the meekest – proving that meekness is not weakness – but rather strength of character under extreme control. How easy would it have been for Jesus to have just been done with everyone? To wipe all of those “sinners” off the face of the earth, giving them what they deserve? Instead, He continually used one of His greatest qualities – that of meekness.
When we resort to our own devices – that of yelling, screaming, pitching fits, or using intimidation, manipulation or control, we are displaying our true weakness – lack of trust in God. Passion is great – but without the temperament of the Holy Spirit, it can be devastating.
Of course there will be those times where we have to raise our voices – but not all the time. Allowing God to work through us, taking on the true Christ-like character of meekness, is actually proof of our strength. When we trust Him, allowing His strength to be at work, is when we are at our best. May we all seek to be meek always, as that dear friend, is true strength.
