Avatar4321 Posted April 28, 2018 Posted April 28, 2018 https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng ive been reading Elder Bednar’s conference talk. It seems to me that I don’t really understand meekness. Does anyone know any good resources to understanding this principle? How do we become meek? 1
Duncan Posted April 28, 2018 Posted April 28, 2018 https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell_meek-lowly/ it's also a book! 2
Ginger Snaps Posted April 28, 2018 Posted April 28, 2018 1 hour ago, Duncan said: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell_meek-lowly/ it's also a book! That was a great talk. Thanks for sharing! 1
Avatar4321 Posted April 28, 2018 Author Posted April 28, 2018 1 hour ago, Duncan said: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell_meek-lowly/ it's also a book! I loved this quote: Meanwhile, the world regards the meek as nice but quaint people, as those to be stepped over or stepped on. Nevertheless, the development of this virtue is a stunning thing just to contemplate, especially in a world in which so many others are headed in opposite directions. These next requirements clearly show the unarguable relevance as well as the stern substance of this sweet virtue. Serious disciples are not only urged to do good but also to avoid growing weary of doing good (see Galatians 6:9 and Helaman 10:5). They are not only urged to speak the truth but also to speak the truth in love (see Ephe-sians 4:15). They are not only urged to endure all things but also to endure them well (see D&C 121:8). They are not only urged to be devoted to God’s cause but also to be prepared to sacrifice all things, giving, if necessary, the last full measure of devotion (see Lectures on Faith6:7). They are not only to do many things of worth but are also to focus on the weightier matters, the things of most worth (see Matthew 23:23). They are not only urged to forgive but also to forgive seventy times seven (see Matthew 18:21–22). They are not only to be engaged in good causes, but also they are to be “anxiously engaged” (see D&C 58:27). They are not only to do right but also to do right for the right reasons. They are told to get on the strait and narrow path, but then are told that this is only the beginning, not the end (see 2 Nephi 31:19–20). They are not only to endure enemies but also to pray for them and to love them (see Matthew 5:44). They are urged not only to worship God but, astoundingly, they are instructed to strive to become like him! (See Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48, 27:27.) In the midst of all these things,” they are given a Sabbath day for rest, during which they do the sweetest but often the hardest work of all. Who else but the truly meek would even consider such a stretching journey? 4
Robert F. Smith Posted April 29, 2018 Posted April 29, 2018 Jesus claimed to be "meek" (Matt 11:29), but the Greek term actually refers to being "gentle, humble," rather than weak and simpering. Jesus was clearly a very powerful figure, so the term must refer to a proper attitude toward others. The Greek term is also used to refer to a horse which has been "broken, trained," so that being able to obediently follow God's will may be an integral part of being "meek" in that Beatitude. 2
Avatar4321 Posted April 29, 2018 Author Posted April 29, 2018 10 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said: Jesus claimed to be "meek" (Matt 11:29), but the Greek term actually refers to being "gentle, humble," rather than weak and simpering. Jesus was clearly a very powerful figure, so the term must refer to a proper attitude toward others. The Greek term is also used to refer to a horse which has been "broken, trained," so that being able to obediently follow God's will may be an integral part of being "meek" in that Beatitude. That is a bit like what elder Bednar was saying: Quote Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint. This quality helps us to understand more completely the respective reactions of Amulek, Pahoran, President Nelson, and President Eyring. For example, President Nelson and President Eyring righteously and rapidly responded to President Monson’s encouragement to read and study the Book of Mormon. Though both men were serving in important and visible Church positions and had studied the scriptures extensively for decades, they demonstrated in their responses no hesitation or sense of self-importance. Amulek willingly submitted to God’s will, accepted a call to preach the gospel, and left behind his comfortable circumstances and familiar relationships. And Pahoran was blessed with perspective and strong self-restraint to act rather than react as he explained to Moroni the challenges arising from a rebellion against the government. 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. 1
Duncan Posted April 29, 2018 Posted April 29, 2018 7 hours ago, Avatar4321 said: I loved this quote: no charge!
Bernard Gui Posted April 29, 2018 Posted April 29, 2018 9 hours ago, Avatar4321 said: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2018/04/meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng ive been reading Elder Bednar’s conference talk. It seems to me that I don’t really understand meekness. Does anyone know any good resources to understanding this principle? How do we become meek? Being meek is sometimes conflated with being a doormat.
Maidservant Posted April 29, 2018 Posted April 29, 2018 I once read a little article that equated it with something along the lines of non-violence, including resisting evil by non-violent means, but not to forget the 'resisting evil' part. I don't know if they founded their take on meekness with language or textual clues, or if it was just a personal pondering. But I have been kind of adopting this take since reading the article. 1
Jeanne Posted April 29, 2018 Posted April 29, 2018 Sometimes I think meek is just receiving anger/contempt with a calm of peaceful resistance.
Nevo Posted April 29, 2018 Posted April 29, 2018 I love the scripture where Moses says he was the meekest man on earth: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/num/12.3?lang=eng&clang=eng#p2 Can you humblebrag about being the meekest man alive and still actually be the meekest? 3
Avatar4321 Posted May 1, 2018 Author Posted May 1, 2018 On 4/29/2018 at 4:01 PM, Nevo said: I love the scripture where Moses says he was the meekest man on earth: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/num/12.3?lang=eng&clang=eng#p2 Can you humblebrag about being the meekest man alive and still actually be the meekest? I wonder how he obtained that title
Avatar4321 Posted May 1, 2018 Author Posted May 1, 2018 Another apostle teaches meekness https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/be-meek-and-lowly-of-heart?lang=eng
Eek! Posted May 2, 2018 Posted May 2, 2018 Anybody remember the 70's TV series "Kung Fu"? The main character, Kwai Chang Caine, was "meek" without being a wimp. 1
Avatar4321 Posted May 2, 2018 Author Posted May 2, 2018 14 hours ago, Eek! said: Anybody remember the 70's TV series "Kung Fu"? The main character, Kwai Chang Caine, was "meek" without being a wimp. So how do we become like that?So how do we become like that? 1
Eek! Posted May 2, 2018 Posted May 2, 2018 (edited) 4 hours ago, Avatar4321 said: So how do we become like that? Oboy, big topic, at best this reply will be a few Cliff notes. 1. Don't collect and treasure grievances, they cannot bring you happiness. "Forgive seventy times seven." 2. Do not be controlled by external events, and deal as gently as possible with your fellow men. Example of Victor Frankl. "Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves". 3. You are not threatened by anything that anyone can do to you. "Fear not them which can kill the body." 4. Seek to serve, rather than to be served, even when the requests seem unreasonable. "When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God." "Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Imo this sort of change is not directly a matter of willpower and behavior modification, because that is just too tiring to maintain. Instead there is a paradigm shift that makes it all happen, sometimes incrementally and sometimes all at once, but a LOT of effort and willpower go into shifting our thought patterns and inviting the Holy Spirit to show us a different way of seeing everything. We have to be willing to let go of our old thinking, and willing to be taught anew. "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles." We may be tempted to think that doesn't apply to us, and if so, maybe we should "liken the scriptures unto ourselves". Just to clarify, the purpose of the journey is not merely to become "meek", but that is one of the things that happens along the way. The purpose of the journey is to become the same manner of man as Jesus. Imo the journey is a "SEEK, and ye shall FIND" thing. So it's not going to be laid out in a lesson manual, nor in a post on an internet forum, especially not one by a purple cartoon cat. It is a personal journey, not an institutional one, hence the injunction to SEEK. Your curiosity/discontent/burning desire will get you started seeking, and then your job is just to recognize and follow the light. Don't worry about making mistakes along the way, they won't be held against you, just recognize them and don't delay in making whatever course-correction is needed. Imo, ime, ymmv, etc. Edited May 2, 2018 by Eek!
Avatar4321 Posted May 4, 2018 Author Posted May 4, 2018 On 5/2/2018 at 5:28 PM, Eek! said: Oboy, big topic, at best this reply will be a few Cliff notes. 1. Don't collect and treasure grievances, they cannot bring you happiness. "Forgive seventy times seven." 2. Do not be controlled by external events, and deal as gently as possible with your fellow men. Example of Victor Frankl. "Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves". 3. You are not threatened by anything that anyone can do to you. "Fear not them which can kill the body." 4. Seek to serve, rather than to be served, even when the requests seem unreasonable. "When you are in the service of your fellow beings, you are only in the service of your God." "Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." Imo this sort of change is not directly a matter of willpower and behavior modification, because that is just too tiring to maintain. Instead there is a paradigm shift that makes it all happen, sometimes incrementally and sometimes all at once, but a LOT of effort and willpower go into shifting our thought patterns and inviting the Holy Spirit to show us a different way of seeing everything. We have to be willing to let go of our old thinking, and willing to be taught anew. "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles." We may be tempted to think that doesn't apply to us, and if so, maybe we should "liken the scriptures unto ourselves". Just to clarify, the purpose of the journey is not merely to become "meek", but that is one of the things that happens along the way. The purpose of the journey is to become the same manner of man as Jesus. Imo the journey is a "SEEK, and ye shall FIND" thing. So it's not going to be laid out in a lesson manual, nor in a post on an internet forum, especially not one by a purple cartoon cat. It is a personal journey, not an institutional one, hence the injunction to SEEK. Your curiosity/discontent/burning desire will get you started seeking, and then your job is just to recognize and follow the light. Don't worry about making mistakes along the way, they won't be held against you, just recognize them and don't delay in making whatever course-correction is needed. Imo, ime, ymmv, etc. I also would have accepted: "Go to Chinatown. Ask for Caine. He will help you"
stemelbow Posted May 4, 2018 Posted May 4, 2018 Quote 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. I think Bednar stated this well.
The Nehor Posted May 4, 2018 Posted May 4, 2018 On 4/28/2018 at 10:40 PM, Bernard Gui said: Being meek is sometimes conflated with being a doormat. If it were Jesus would never have gotten out of Nazareth as some widow kept asking him to sweep her porch every day and meekness would not let him say no and that he had something more important to do. 2
Eek! Posted May 4, 2018 Posted May 4, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, The Nehor said: If it were Jesus would never have gotten out of Nazareth as some widow kept asking him to sweep her porch every day and meekness would not let him say no and that he had something more important to do. Remember how Jesus told the people in 3rd Nephi that it was time for him to leave, and they wanted him to stay, so it was almost another two chapters before he could get away? In other words, he was late for his next meeting. Makes me think that being late for a meeting is probably okay, as long as you have a good excuse. I never quite had that good of an excuse for being late for a Church meeting, but if I did, I'd have used it. Edited May 4, 2018 by Eek!
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