“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” Matthew 5:5 (NRSV). Look at these deceptively simple words. We all know the passage, even those who are skeptical Christians at best. Ad on the one hand, we embrace the sentiment, “Let’s give a shout out for all those meek folks in the audience!” On the other hand, nobody wants to be labeled meek.
The passage, of course, comes from the Sermon on the Mount, part of the verses collectively known as the Beatitudes. Actually there were no mountains in this section of Galilee. And rather than seeking higher ground to preach to the multitudes, Jesus probably went up to escape the crowds so he could speak privately to his disciples. So, let’s call this the Lecture on the Hill. It’s still important because this is the first compilation of the teachings of Jesus.
Scholars suggest these words are an accurate representation of the words of the historical man. As such, they create real problems for modern men and women who seek to follow him. You don’t have to look beyond verse five to find a good example.
But first, a few words about meekness. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a mild, moderate, humble, or submissive quality.” The Cambridge Dictionary says it’s “the quality of being quiet, gentle, and unwilling to argue or express your opinions.”
Meekness is an essential attribute of human behavior, but people typically mistake it for weakness. They think it is synonymous with timidity, mousiness, submissiveness, acquiescence, or naiveté. In the era of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, those aren’t traits people aspire to.
“Humility” is sometimes considered a synonym, but humility suggests restraining your own power to allow others to act. Meekness in contrast is a blend of patience, humility, and righteousness. Humility is defined by our treatment of others.
Christ was a model of meekness. As Roman soldiers nailed him to the cross his critics boasted that Jesus could save others but not himself, which we know wasn’t true. He chose to allow himself to be crucified because of us. And when he was raised up between two thieves, one taunted him, but instead of responding in kind, Jesus turned to comfort the other, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Instead of using his power to ease his own suffering, his final act was to ask a disciple to care for his mother Mary. Christ submitted himself to death on the cross because he lived and died for others instead of himself. That’s what it means to be meek.
So, what would meekness look like in you or me? Should we suffer in silence for the sake of others? Can we accept our own weaknesses for what they are, rather than boasting of powers we don’t have? Will we strive to view ourselves as servants, rather than as a privileged someone who deserves to be served? Do we have the strength to be meek in our dealing with strangers, friends, and families?
Let us choose to play the role of peacemaker and act on behalf of others, and so be blessed.