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Continue ShoppingWhat Does it Mean to be MEEK, and Why do some Latter-day Saint Members Struggle with It
The definition of meek is: to be quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive.
According to Kelly Resendez in her blog Big Voice Rise, she says:
Meek doesn’t mean weak. It means being powerful without taking action. It is a strategy you must maintain to achieve the highest level of spiritual success. Meekness is important because not everyone is ready for our power and strength. Sometimes we have to hold back to make the biggest impact.
This statement is supported by Elder David A Bednar in his talk, "Meek and Lowly Heart," saying:
The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others.
It seems like lately the WORLD has been struggling with being meek due to the political climate and opposing viewpoints. What are the benefits though of being meek and how can Latter-day Saints apply these principles so that they are more in harmony with the Spirit and the Gospel. Elder Bednar says:
Please notice the characteristic the Lord used to describe Himself in the following scripture: “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.”
Instructively, the Savior chose to emphasize meekness from among all the attributes and virtues He potentially could have selected. Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint.
Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth, and adulation.
This council from an apostle gives Latter-day Saints advice on how to live and react in these current times where anger, heated arguments, and mean comments are pervasive. If we choose to turn the other cheek not out of WEAKNESS but out of STRENGTH then we "shall have rest" according to the Savior. Clearly Christ felt this was an important attribute to emphasize to the Saints because it protects us from being prideful and thinking we are better than others.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
** The opinions and views expressed herein belong solely to Tyler Carpenter and do not necessarily represent the opinions or views of Cedar Fort, Inc.
Jackie
Nov 13, 2020
I think we sometimes feel like being meek means being silent. Yet God gives us each talents and guidance to use those for good. We live in a time where we can no longer be silent because the voices in the World are so loud that the consequences of our silence out of thinking it is meekness does a disservice to the youth especially. We can have a humble a meek heart and speak boldly when moved to do so. This can be achieved when we do it with no anger in our words or heart or reaction.