Meekness
The content of this meditation comes from Neal A. Maxwell’s BYU speech entitled “Meekly Drenched in Destiny.” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Meekly Drenched in Destiny,” BYU Speech, September 5, 1982).
Close your eyes, allowing your focus to settle upon the rhythm of your breath. With each inhale and exhale, become aware of the subtle sensations accompanying the ebb and flow of your breath, as it gracefully enters and exits your body.
As you sit in a comfortable posture, rest your hands with palms upturned, an invitation extended to embrace the wisdom and inspiration that awaits. Visualize your heart unfurling, tenderly opening itself to any promptings, lessons, answers, or understanding that may come to you as you ponder. And now, visualize your mind expanding, liberating itself from the constraints of everyday concerns, creating a space for clarity and deep contemplation to flourish.
Take a moment to offer a brief prayer to set your intention for this moment of pondering.
In this sacred space of receptivity, humility, and introspection, gently observe the thoughts and images that come to your mind when you hear the word “meek” or think of meekness.
What is Meekness?
The Greek rendition of the word “meek” in the new testament is “gentle” and “humble”. And it is a “non-negotiable dimension of true discipleship.” It is not a display of humility—it is the real thing.
Meekness is the subtraction of self. “True meekness is never proud of itself, never conscious of itself.” It rests on trust and courage.
It is the “presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness.”
Meekness reflects certitude, strength, and serenity.
It reflects a healthy self-esteem and a genuine self-control.
Why is Meekness so Important and How is it Beneficial?
Elder Maxwell contemplates that “if we fully understood the motives which underlie some of our acts of assertion, we would be embarrassed. Frankly, when others perceive such motivations, they are sometimes embarrassed for us.”
He lists reasons why meekness is crucial and identifies benefits of being meek. As I read his observations, ponder how meekness provides the benefits identified.
Meekness is a non-negotiable attribute of a true disciple of Christ. It is the means for developing faith, hope, and charity. Moroni 7:44 reads “None is acceptable before God save the meek and the lowly in heart.”
Meekness is essential to the wise use of agency and to our recovery when we have misused our agency.
It “cultivates in us a generosity in viewing the mistakes and imperfections of others.” (Mormon 9:31)
It is an attribute of Christ. When we live with meekness, we are “emulating the manner in which God wields power.” It prompts us to know when to speak up or be silent. It allows us to use boldness appropriately, without guile or attention-seeking.
Meekness allows us to “avoid the abuse of authority and power—a tendency to which the Lord declared ‘almost all’ succumb.”
It allows us to be confident in what we know, even when we do not know the meaning of everything. (1 Nephi 11:17)
Meekness bears us up under our personal afflictions (Mosiah 3:19) and permits us to endure more graciously the cruel caricaturing and misrepresentation that accompanies discipleship.”
It also allows the Lord to reveal His secrets to us. (Alma 7:23)
Meekness helps us keep our covenants, such as the law of sacrifice. “Meekness helps us to step gratefully forward to place on the altar the talents and time and self with which we are blessed—to be at God and His children’s disposal.”
Which of these benefits of meekness stand out to you? How could meekness improve your life?
How Can We Become Meek?
Meekness is as difficult to develop as it is valuable to the one who develops it. It is an attribute that can only be developed through experience, some of it painful. (Alma 7:11-12). It is not achieved overnight or even “achieved” once and for all—it is something that requires daily work and attention. “The Savior said we are to ‘take up the cross daily’ (Luke 9:23)—not just once or occasionally—and taking up the cross daily surely requires meekness.”
Elder Maxwell also lists several examples of how a meek person acts, reacts, or lives. This is a long list. As we go through it, take note of anything that stands out to you, and ponder how you can embody it in your own life. Pick just one or two things to focus on at a time: the goal is to be a little bit better tomorrow than you were today, not to wake up perfect. And progress is not linear, so give yourself grace while you strive to change and become more like Christ.
The truly meek
“are filled with awe and wonder with regard to God and His purposes in the universe”
“are not awe-struck by the many frustrations of life”
“are more easily mobilized for eternal causes and less easily immobilized by the disappointments of the day.”
make fewer demands of life, [and so] are less easily disappointed.”
“are less concerned with their entitlements than with their assignments.”
“are not concerned with being pushed around but are grateful to be pushed along.”
“do not engage in shoulder-shrugging acceptance but shoulder-squaring—in order that [they] might better bear the burdens of life and others.”
are “less easily offended” and “less likely to give offense to others.”
are “less concern[ed] over being taken for granted and more concern[ed] over being taken by the hand.”
are “less concern[ed] over revising [their] own plans and more concern[ed] about adopting His plans for [them].”
“think of more clever things to say than are said.”
“are able with regularity to peel off the encrustations of ego that form on one’s soul like barnacles on a ship.”
are “able to avoid the abuse of authority and power.”
“use power and authority properly, no doubt because their gentleness and meekness reflect a love unfeigned, a genuine caring.”
are “easy to be entreated.” (Alma 7:23)
are “more teachable” and “continuously receive, with special appreciation, ‘the engrafted word,’ . . . the pure flow of intelligence—all from the divine databank.” (James 1:21; Teaching, p. 151)
speak up without speaking down.
are “concerned with charity—not parity.”
“go on fewer ego trips, but [] have far greater adventures.” “Our earthly experience is one where ‘beauties abound; subtleties and delicacies are all about us, waiting to be noticed. Wonders are everywhere to be seen. It is, however, the observing meek, who will contemplate the lilies of the field, will ponder the galaxies and see God moving in His majesty and power.’” (D&C 81:5)
Doormat
Elder Maxwell acknowledges that “there are real costs associated with meekness. A significant down payment must be made.” But, he jokes, “it can come from our sufficient supply of pride.”
He warns that there is no need to worry that meekness will lead to being used and abused, or treated as a doormat. “You will see far more examples of those in desperate need of meekness than you will ever see of the truly meek being abused.”
The difference is that a meek person knows what is worth getting worked up or vocal about. “there are some things worth being [worked up] about . . . such as our families, our homes, our liberties, and our sacred religion. (Alma 43:45) Things not worth being [worked up] about: real estate, others’ opinions of us, status, and image.”
But even then, Elder Maxwell explains that “there can be dignity even in silence, as was the case when Jesus meekly stood, unjustly accused, before Pilate. Silence can be an expression of strength. Holding back and holding on can be signs of great personal discipline, especially when everyone else is letting go.” “Better to save one’s soul than to save one’s face.”
Ponder Prompts
Recall a situation from your life when you did not act meekly. What did you do or not do? What was the outcome of the situation? How did you feel?
Now recall a situation from your life when you acted meekly. What did you do or not do? What was the outcome of the situation? How did you feel?
Now imagine a situation you encounter in a typical day or week that you can approach with meekness. Imagine yourself recalling Elder Maxwell’s words about how meek people act. How do you react? What do you say or not say?
Finally, I will leave you with this formula President Kimball offered when asked how to remain humble:
First, you evaluate yourself. What am I? I am the circle. I am the hole in the doughnut. I would be nothing without the Lord. My breath, my brains, my hearing, my sight, my locomotion, my everything depends upon the Lord. That is the first step and then we pray, and pray often, and we will not get up from our knees until we have communicated. The line may be down; we may have let it fall to pieces, but I will not get up from my knees until I have established communication—if it is twenty minutes, if it is all night like Enos. . . . If it takes all day long, you stay on your knees until your unhumbleness has dissipated, until you feel the humble spirit and realize, “I could die this minute if it were not for the Lord’s good grace. I am dependent upon him—totally dependent upon him.” [TSWK pp. 233–34]
(Spencer W. Kimball in Patricia T. Holland, “Becoming ‘Meek and Lowly in Heart,’ BYU, January 21, 1986)
When you are ready, take a final deep breath and slowly turn your awareness back to your body. As you open your eyes and return to your surroundings, take a moment to jot down any thoughts, promptings, or questions that came to mind while you were pondering. And, if necessary, make a plan to act on those things.