From an address given at a BYU fourteen-stake fireside, 5 September 1982. [vi] [vi] In New Testament usage, “meekness is the aspect of humility that is manifest in a mild, longsuffering, patient disposition. (See Alma 43:45.) Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” (3 Ne. Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (See D&C 122:7.). The straight and narrow path is, after all, the only path which takes us to new and breathtaking places. /Filter [/FlateDecode ] Especially in this world of push and shove and shout. Meekness permits us to be prompted as to whether to speak out or, as Jesus once did, be silent. Yesterday we saw that meekness leads the humility that listens to what God says in scripture. In that premortal council wherein Jesus meekly volunteered to aid the Father's plan, He said, "Here am I, send me." Neal A. Maxwell, who relentlessly focused on discipleship throughout his life, dissected the topic of meekness in a talk he gave just over 30 years ago today: Meekness - A Dimension of True Discipleship. Should I include my church activities and assignments on my resume? In the ecology of the eternal attributes, these cardinal characteristics are inextricably bound up together. (See Alma 5:14.). 70-74 Click here to read the full talk. Meekness constitutes a continuing invitation to continuing education. No wonder He and His prophets emphasize meekness time and time again! We need to learn so much, and yet we are free to choose! No wonder the Lord reveals His secrets to the meek, for they are “easy to be entreated.” (Alma 7:23.) Peter waxed poetic when he urged “the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” (1 Pet. 4 0 obj Meekness also cultivates in us a generosity in viewing the mistakes and imperfections of others: “Condemn me not because of mine imperfection, neither my father, because of his imperfection, … but rather give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been.” (Morm. 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, will notice, and then lift up, those whose hands hang down. Zep 2:3 Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger. They are less concerned with their entitlements than with their assignments. Over a year ago I listened to "Meekness -- A Dimension of True Discipleship" (ldsvoices.com) by Neal A Maxwell. The mockers were not a small minority. Except the meek. Let us not brush by this developmental premise. But even when the meek speak up, they do so without speaking down. Assertiveness is not automatically bad, of course, but if we fully understand the motives which underlie some of our acts of assertion, we would be embarrassed. Brigham “took it” because he was meek. “Dad, What Do You Want to Talk About?”, Winners of the 1983 Writing, Music, and Art Contests, To Any Who Have Watched for a Son’s Returning. Yet meekness has been, is, and will remain a non-negotiable dimension of true discipleship. Meekness—A Dimension of True Discipleship. Yes. Furthermore, whether you realize it or not, you are a generation drenched in destiny. In contrast, brothers and sisters, we often see in our unnecessary multiplication of words not only a lack of clarity, but much vanity. Such outcomes only occur, however, when there is commitment bordering on consecration. 12:3), Jesus tells us to come learn from him because he is … endobj Even so, why the stress on meekness? Meekness can make another very significant contribution, as it aids us in bearing up under our personal afflictions. In contrast, there are some in life who seem, perpetually, to be waiting to be offended. (See 2 Ne. He taught frequently and well about this critical, misunderstood principle. Even when we make some progress, there is the sober realization that our very best meekness is but a pale copy of Jesus’ meekness. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Remil ilmi. Yet meekness has been, is, and will remain a nonnegotiable dimension of true discipleship—a remarkable achievement, but especially in this age. The meek are thus able to avoid the abuse of authority and power—a tendency to which, the Lord declared, “almost all” succumb. But if all our anxiety amounts to is our so-called image, it’s an image that needs to be displaced anyway, so that we can receive His image in our countenances. (Romans 15:) and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:2) 5 0 obj Meekness -- A Dimension of True Discipleship (Neal A. Maxwell) This is a sobering and revealing insight about God’s plans for us here, and it underlines with urgency the need for the attribute of meekness, especially when one feels forsaken and forgotten and alone “amid th’ encircling gloom.” (John Henry Newman, “Lead, Kindly Light”; see Hymns, no. In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. In spite of all these advantages of meekness, will the world mistake meekness for something else? We would then cease pursuing lifestyles which, inevitably and irrevocably, are going out of style! By the way, will not these experiences with mortal injustices generate within us even more adoration of the perfect justice of God—another of His attributes? It is also vital because one cannot develop those other crucial virtues—faith, hope, and charity—without meekness. Instructively, Jesus, our Lord and exemplar, called attention to Himself as being “meek and lowly in heart.” (Matt. A meek, imprisoned Joseph Smith displayed remarkable boldness in rebuking the grossness of the guards in Richmond jail: “Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit! How anxious we ought to be to emulate the manner in which God wields power! Fortunately, you and I have had a chance to see, at rather close range, the remarkable meekness which operates in the life of President Spencer W. Kimball—but his, too, is an impressive meekness which has combined with sweet boldness, producing signal achievements in the Kingdom. The offering is of a gentled self, a self concerned with charity—not parity. 5:48.) 9:31.). There would be little reason for speaking to you of meekness if you were not serious candidates for the celestial kingdom. By contrast, the meek are able with regularity to peel off the encrustations of ego that form on one’s soul so relentlessly and persistently, like barnacles on a ship. The attainment of your full possibilities will depend, as with all of us, on your developing adequately the eternal and cardinal attributes, including meekness. Discipleship and Scholarship. Meekness is an attribute of human nature and behavior. If we are meek, we will handle our critics more wisely than did some of these predecessors: “Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves. xڭ][��Ʊ~W�������2���۱R��S�I�����.K1?#r�7=7`���]�Nb��==���u�(��$��g��w������#���{x����_�Q�Ir�YXl�����ׯ��}J�����{���G�ׯV?R��Ҿ'���ɷ���_�����&���� ����ޅy���*�l���J�J����������O��q�I�/�eC����HY������3m��\~�.�6�6㴂j^_�_�d8P�x\��_Ǻ�� 7�G����#�E�b��揟�ߒ�籵X�災�|�dȶ�Z߳a%Y�\�����Dzۀ��N��YloJ�e��5�p�)��&��.����}ǎ�lI��u�o�' If we become too efficient at pushing, shoving, and shouting, then we are too adapted to this world—polishing skills which will erelong become obsolete. Discipleship & Living as a Christian Other Related Topics; The Meaning & Purpose of Life Bitterness, Resentment, Self-Pity Business & Financial Relations Government and Religious Freedom Christians, Government, and Moral Issues Counseling Principles Duties to … If we could but believe, really believe, in the reality of that bold but accurate declaration, you and I would find ourselves focusing on the crucial rather than the marginal tasks in life! Perhaps, brothers and sisters, what we brought with us as intelligence into our creation as spirit children constitutes a “given” within which even God must work. Meekness does not mean tentativeness. 112.). There are strivings and struggles and setbacks, and we inch forward when we would prefer to run. 1857.) Frankly, when others perceive such motivations, they are sometimes embarrassed for us. 12:48.) (Abr. Less concern over revising our own plans for us and more concern about adopting His plans for us is another sure sign of meekness. (See John 12:42. ("Meekness-A Dimension of True Discipleship," Ensign, Mar. Meekness is not display humility; it is the real thing. It is meekness, therefore, which 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’s and His children’s disposal. If it is concern over the opinions of us held by others, there is only One opinion of us that really matters. When asked in conversation, “Why are men left alone and often sad? 18:31.) The strength of a horseunder the control of a bridle and bit illustrates a true picture of meekness. (See 1 Ne. Who cares now about the pecking order in the Sanhedrin in 31 A.D., though so many cared so much at the time? We must simulate his meekness, remembering that he passed through “all these things,” which gave Him, too, needed experiences. You will come to see that preoccupation. /Resources << Not only are the meek more teachable, but they continuously receive, with special appreciation, “the engrafted word,” as the Apostle James said—and, as Joseph Smith declared, the flow of pure intelligence—all from the divine databank. Our verbosity is sometimes a cover for insincerity or uncertainty, whereas the subtraction of self reduces the unnecessary multiplication of words. "Meekness and Greatness" - Cecil O. Samuelson "The Meek Will He Guide in Judgment: and the Meek Will He Teach His Way" ... "Divine Attributes of Jesus Christ: Meek and Humble "Meekness--A Dimension of True Discipleship" - Neal A. Maxwell "More Meekness in Trial" - Ensign "More or Less" - H. David Burton - Ensign. But I cannot help but wonder what more God might have done with such individuals if they had been sufficiently and consistently meek. 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