“A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishment of others.

Whereas humility generally denotes dependence upon God and the constant need for His guidance and support, a distinguishing characteristic of meekness is a particular spiritual receptivity to learning both from the Holy Ghost and from people who may seem less capable, experienced, or educated, who may not hold important positions, or who otherwise may not appear to have much to contribute.

Meekness is the principal protection from the prideful blindness that often arises from prominence, position, power, wealth and adulation.”

-          (Elder David A. Bednar, “Meek and Lowly of Heart” April 2018 GC)

When the Pacific Area Presidency was located in Sydney, Australia 30 years ago, I was fortunate enough to be in the same ward as them. I was a freshly divorced single mother in the Church and I was the Gospel Doctrine Teacher. It was a humbling experience to teach this class with Elder Featherstone and Elder Hafen listening to me. They never corrected me, or offered comments that made mine insignificant in comparison. They built me up when I needed it the most. They were the meek men of the earth who cared more about the little fish in the Church than elevating themselves because of their callings. This is meekness.

I reflected this week on many of you wonderful people who build me up through your appreciation of my writing. I am still a little fish in the Church without a name yet I am fed every day by your grateful comments of the knowledge and understanding I glean through my study of the Gospel and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. You are also the meek of the earth……

Elder Bednar went on to list the qualities of a meek person: strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; gracious, not brash. Can you see one person in all these attributes? The Saviour is the epitome of meekness.

Lucifer in all his pride wanting to exalt himself above us, would have through his plan given us what the Father had but it would never have made us what the Father is. Only the Saviour can: in example, in leadership, in empowerment.  Everything he is, we have to become. Everything we become, we owe to Him who seeks to elevate us to His own station. This is meekness divine.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: Jesus Whispers of Grace by Ivan Guaderrama)