“God first..God first”. Sometimes, it really feels like I am in a conflict zone, dealing with an enemy – myself. You might have been in my shoes, tempted to skip doing what God wants you to work on, because your urge to dive into activities like gardening or playing badminton that pique your interest is just too enticing to pass up. As someone with so many interests, staying focused or committed to what God has called me to do hasn’t always been a straight shot, you could say, not without any friction.
Our current world is not conducive to following God’s heart, is it? Our days are often filled with work schedules, personal responsibilities, and hobbies we want to pursue. It’s one of the reasons we, at times, feel flat-out depleted to even spend quality time with Him or do God-centered work. Compared to previous generations, we have way more distractions that divert our attention from God and the work we need to accomplish for Him.
With our new technology, social media, and what have you, it's way too easy to get tugged every which way. Have you ever been glued to your cellphone for an hour or more? If you’ve ever wished to accomplish something but ended up disappointing yourself owing to either a lack of discipline or confidence, even the best of us have moments like this. Maybe you’ve tried to put yourself out there and expand your circle of influence (not for selfish reasons), but ended up backing out for fear of being ridiculed or even ostracized.
Facing the obstacles that hold you back from getting where you want to be can be a herculean task if you’re timid, reclusive, and unsure of what you can bring to the table. Whether that be applying for a dream job in a well-established company, migrating to another country, taking on challenging work, or achieving our God-given tasks –the list goes on.
On that note, I came across this advice from a behavioral therapist on how to achieve anything you set your heart on, a somewhat drastic piece of advice. It’s about brainwashing yourself into embodying the ideal person you aspire to be, helping you drastically change your personality, behavior, and habits, and, in short, becoming someone you are not.
As life coaches would often say, “nothing changes as long as you stay the same.” No change happens until you do. So, a total overhaul or makeover should be kicked into gear if you want to see results that break from the norm, results that are somewhat different from your usual, to allow you to hit your most desired outcomes or whatever your heart has been pining after.
Needless to say, my curiosity took over as there’s something I need to change about myself; things that hold me back due to self-doubt, and, among other things, that hinder my growth.
However, following the advice would require us to adopt a bold, confident personality that borders on the fearless, self-reliant, untouchable, and unstoppable. It's about playing the part to render it effective. So, if we want to be that brave, self-assured version of ourselves, we must adopt a bolder and can’t-ignore-me personality.
I found the advice motivating. Besides, I did so many years ago, and it worked. At that time, I was a newbie teacher and was asked to work as a substitute instructor for a college professor teaching Business English to graduating Commerce students. I was horrified. You see, the students were notorious for their unruly and cruel behavior. They even made a couple of their professors cry. One of them is one of my closest friends.
I had no choice but to change my personality and temperament to an extreme degree and take on a couple of strategies to command fear and respect. My mantra then was: I would rather be hated and respected than be liked and disrespected. Being nice would make them swallow me whole. So, despite being barely 21 at that time, I managed to wrap up the course unscathed. Those unruly students actually became the most well-disciplined I’ve led. Entering the class, I would not hear even the slightest murmur. Oh…if only they knew how terrified I was of them, they would be in total shock.
A drastic personality change, controlled behavior dialed in with near-perfect precision, and some strategies helped me not only to survive the challenge of handling rowdy, disruptive youths but thrive through it. That given, there’s a thin line that separates a quiet confidence and a self-absorbed, take-charge, go-getter attitude— something God shuns and loathes.
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble” James 4:6 NKJV.
So, we might feel like we’re caught in a dilemma: How can we exude confidence without tipping into arrogance? Or project confidence while staying humble?
Especially when God requires us to be as meek as a lamb.
What Is Meekness?
To be meek is to forget yourself and pander to other people's wishes,
submissive, accommodating, without a hint of resistance. It is to live for others and not for ourselves.
I know, this definition can be a recipe for abuse.
So, is this what meekness is all about? Or is there something more to it than meets the eye?
We’ve all been there, trying to tread lightly so as not to rock the boat—but, if we were to read the Scripture, we would realize that meekness is not total passivity. Yes, we are told to stay modest, practice humility–for it is the mark of a faithful Christian. But insecurity and self-doubt have no place in our lives as God’s servants. As believers, we are to carry God’s torch with boldness. But we must ensure that the brand of confidence we wield is rooted in Christ alone, as it’s the only way we can find our voice without losing His heart.
Emulating Jesus' Meekness and Humility
Jesus may have been described as someone who’s as meek as a lamb but will emerge with the confidence of a lion when the situation calls for it. He never showed insecurity or doubted himself even once. He knows who He is. He took a stand for what He believed in when Scribes and Pharisees engaged Him in a debate. He did not show passivity when confronting deceptive preachings or misguided doctrines. He stood His ground. Bold in advocating for the truth and in defending God’s Name.
“For zeal for Your house consumes Me,
and the insults of those who insult You fall on Me.” Psalm 69:9 NIV
So…what does it truly mean to be meek?
While meekness is an admirable Christian trait, practicing meekness without wisdom can also be a sure path to trouble. Being meek isn’t about catering to other people’s sinful desires or kowtowing to people’s depraved views. It is about practicing meekness when the situation that calls for it is aligned with God’s will.
The Power of Playing the Part
Having that kind of courage that comes from knowing who we are in Christ, we can be bold in truth while being gentle in Spirit.
“Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right Hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
So be meek as He commanded you to be, but not to the point of allowing people to belittle or walk over you. Remember, the only time Jesus took a lot of disrespect and abuse was when He was condemned to be crucified. He had to be like a lamb to the slaughter. He had to fulfill the prophecy in Isaiah 53:7 NKJV:
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.”
We can be meek and still take a stand for what is right. Jesus did so, and so did the rest of His servants.
So, live with dignity for you are God’s workmanship, “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Psalm 139:13-14 NIV
Because in playing the part, you, being the child of a mighty God, can thrive and conquer your fears as you do your part in expanding the Father’s kingdom here on earth. Walking in the light of your identity in Christ, grounded in His authority, stepping into that role and living up to it.
“You have made them a little lower than the angels.
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands
You put everything under their feet.” Psalm 8:4-6 NIV
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Tamer Dagas
