Strong Meekness

Today’s worldwide conditions and controversies require strong meekness. Tough is not enough; one who has not taken a stand doesn’t stand.

We feel overpowered by online self-proclaimed experts and social media commentators who boldly declare and comment. The louder and more exaggerated the claim, the more viral it becomes. Controversy is rewarded.

Christlike Meekness

“One of the most powerful and possibly underappreciated characteristics of Christ is meekness.” Consider how the Savior of the world, the Creator of universes, taught of the importance of meekness.

Characteristics of strong meekness and confident humility aren’t often recognized and celebrated by crowds and algorithms. But these godlike qualities, along with mercy, and compassion, as lived and taught by the Savior, have a power to restore and transform lives and thus the world. Elder Richard G. Scott shared,

I cannot comprehend his power, his majesty, his perfections. But I do understand something of his love, his compassion, his mercy. There is no burden he cannot lift. There is no heart he cannot purify and fill with joy. There is no life he cannot cleanse and restore when one is obedient to his teachings.

Meek, Not Weak

When we find ourselves being attacked or criticized, responding with humility and meekness may feel like weakness. But let’s consider a scriptural account of how acts of meekness can stop a war. In Alma 24 when the Lamanites were attacking the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, their response was startling,

Now when the people saw that they were coming against them they went out to meet them, and prostrated themselves before them to the earth, and began to call on the name of the Lord; and thus they were in this attitude when the Lamanites began to fall upon them, and began to slay them with the sword. (v. 21)

This kneeling down caused tragic deaths. But the strong meekness profoundly influenced the angry Lamanites.

Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen in them for those of their brethren who had fallen under the sword, for they repented of the things which they had done. And it came to pass that they threw down their weapons of war, and they would not take them again, for they were stung for the murders which they had committed; and they came down even as their brethren, relying upon the mercies of those whose arms were lifted to slay them. (v. 24-25)

We may not find ourselves on a literal battlefield, being attacked and watching friends killed. And I am not saying that we don’t have the right to defend our lives. I suggest the scriptural account offers a powerful example of strong meekness. A number of Lamanites’ hearts were turned and changed because covenanted people prostrated themselves and didn’t fight back.

Thinking and Acting With Jesus

 God is not asking us to be like Him without helping us. As we yoke ourselves with Christ, His grace is sufficient. As you go into situations, where fighting back feels justified, consider yoking yourself to the Prince of Peace. Pray for the gifts of grace and mercy, meekness and humility.

When you with Christ approach the battlefields of life, miracles happen. Christlike characteristics may not receive global praise, but they give us eternal power.

Jesus said, “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” (Matthew 11:29).

Likeness

When I think of people who remind me most of God, they share a common characteristic. A curiosity to learn more humility in suffering and meekness in navigating mortality. This distinctive attribute was center stage in the life of my young friend Lauren.

Lauren had struggled with multiple knee injuries in high school, but overcame them to play college soccer. But as school began, she decided to put soccer on hold and prepare to serve a mission after playing only one season of soccer. Soon after deciding to focus on mission prep, Lauren was tragically killed in a car accident.

At her funeral, and even now years later, her friends and family speak often of how Lauren’s meekness inspired and changed them for the better. This young woman is now serving a mission in a heavenly field, where her strong meekness can teach and encourage many.

Consider sending a text, card, or voice message to people you know who emulate and exemplify meekness.