In the Meekness of Wisdom?

Some 2000 years ago, Jesus of Nazareth said some shockingly counter-culture things that will still wreck us, in a profoundly wonderful way, if we are willing to let them take root in our hearts. Not the least among these are the “Blessed are the…” statements from Matthew 5:3-12 that we call the Beatitudes. In these surprising statements, Jesus set forth the values of the kingdom of God as diametrically opposed to the values of the world. I often delineate them as kingdom (of heaven/God) values vs. empire (worldly pride) values.

This post deals with just one of those statements, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5)

 Photo by Leio McLaren on Unsplash

The meek were those people who were oppressed and yet looked forward in the certainty of hope for the vindication that God would bring about. Their trust was in God and not in their own efforts. There is wisdom in that approach. Yet, as we try to lead and serve missionally, does meekness play a significant role in who we are, how we do ministry, and how we interact with the culture around us? I am sad to say that meekness is not something that shows up on the checklist for a pastoral search committee. Our culture has conditioned us to look for “catalytic leaders” instead. Is it any wonder that we often end up with an Eliab or Aminadab that looks good on the outside and appears able to get things done, instead of a David who has a heart after God?

Meekness, as an attribute, has always been scorned by the rich and the powerful and, perhaps more surprisingly, by many social-justice advocates as well. The conventional wisdom is that we must fight for everything because we all deserve better. We are encouraged to boldly stand up for our rights and the rights of others as we see them. In the process, we tend to self-sanctify our causes de jour. 

In his classic book, Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, Kenneth E. Bailey made a particularly insightful observation while discussing the narrative of the man who wanted Jesus to decide an inheritance case between himself and his brother (Luke 12:13).

The person who fights for a just cause usually thinks that he or she is thereby a just person. Everything such a person does in fighting for that cause usually becomes right in her or his own eyes. Woe to those who fall under the sway of this kind of self-created justice. This parable presents a new perspective on the cry for justice. In the story before us, the petitioner has already decided what justice requires and wants the visiting rabbi to enforce the petitioner's view. How will Jesus respond? [italics mine][1]

Photo by Warren Wong 

on Unsplash

Once we think that our just cause has made us a just person, it is too easy to justify any action or attitude used to advance our cause. Have we, like the man speaking to Jesus, “already decided what justice requires” and determined to demand our fair share, or are we teachable to the leading of Christ through the Spirit? We should be cautioned by the example of Jesus, who, deeply concerned for the deliverance of the downtrodden and oppressed as stated in his announcement in the Nazareth synagogue (Luke 4:16-21), never stoops to such ends-justify-the-means behavior. He was intentional in preparing his disciples to resist the impulse to defend their own cause.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matt. 5:10-12)

And just a bit further on,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. (Matt. 5:38-40)

The Apostle Paul later wrote to the church in Rome (Romans 12:14-21), expanding on Proverbs 25:21-22, with a hard-hitting nine-point list. See if you don’t agree!

• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 
• Live in harmony with one another. 
• Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. 
• Never be wise in your own sight.
• Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
• If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
• Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 
• Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Bullets mine)

Paul also confronted the Corinthian church’s temptation to think themselves wise and strong with his apostolic example,

To the present hour

             we hunger and thirst,

             we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and

             we labor, working with our own hands. 

                           When reviled, we bless; 

                            when persecuted, we endure; 

                            when slandered, we entreat. 

We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, 

                                                         the refuse of all things. (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)

Why do so many Christians on social media platforms write combatively rather than engagingly, responding defensively rather than graciously towards those who do not believe or behave exactly as they do? Why are we not more like Paul, who was willing to be treated like dumpster dregs for the cause of the gospel?

Jesus’ non-resistance and commitment to love and forgive his accusers through his Passion week, up to his death, was a powerful witness to his followers and to his oppressors alike (Matt. 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47; John 18:33-38; Acts 8:32-35). Jesus’ power was under the control of the loving plan of the Father, and he has given us an example to follow.

But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:20-23)

Photo by Elijah O'Donnell on Unsplash

Why is it that we often don’t have the same effect on those who observe our lives through curated windows of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? Biblical meekness was, and is, not weakness, and we have probably heard that instead, it is “power under control.” Certainly, we have power and authority, bestowed by Christ’s commission and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:18; Acts 1:8) yet we do well to remember that our “battle” is not with other people (Eph. 6:12). But for the Christian, what is the control to which we submit? Is it the law of legalistic requirements? Is it the law of what people think about us? Or is it the law of liberty?

It is human nature to defend oneself when oppressed and even more when falsely accused. Yet, mature followers of Jesus learn that it is better to trust Jesus to be our defender. He will set things right, though perhaps not according to our timetable.

If the kindness of God leads to repentance (Rom. 2:4) and we have benefited from that kindness and mercy, then we should extend it to others! (James 2:13)

As I was journaling through the book of James, I was struck by a phrase in chapter three, “the meekness of wisdom” (3:13). I think that we can learn more about meekness when we see with what it is contrasted.

Who is wise and understanding among you? 

By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18 emphasis mine)

In this passage, commentators and preachers often focus on “wisdom from above” and skip over the initial descriptor of that wisdom— “meekness.” It is not a stretch to say that true wisdom is meek. It is neither tainted by “bitter jealousy” nor by “selfish ambition”. In fact, the nine descriptions of heavenly wisdom help us to see meekness more fully. I don’t think that it is a leap to say that meekness is…

• pure,
• peaceable,
• gentle,
• open to reason, 
• full of mercy
• full of good fruits,
• impartial 
• sincere.
• Its righteousness is sown in peace.

Also, as we read this list, it sounds a lot like the whole list of the beatitudes and the values of the kingdom of heaven. No surprise…they come from the same place. You can tell by the accent. When people read our posts, tweets, and comments, what does our “accent” reveal about us and the source of our message?

Can we move into such meekness that on one side is desperate asking for and obeying God's guidance and direction—contentedly accepting justice at his hands—while intentionally seeking to relate to others gently, doing no further harm, as we work for the wholeness of justice both within and without? I hope so.

[Here are some other “meek” verses not already addressed in this article: Isaiah 29:17-21; Psalm 37:10-11; 45:4; Numbers 12:2-4; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 10:1]

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[1] Kenneth E. Bailey. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels (p. 301).

A Bridge over (In)Tolerant Waters

Are We Bridge-Builders or Culture Warriors?

The question asked in my subtitle, “Are we bridge-builders or culture warriors?” is important to those of us who serve in Christian ministry. I would contend that if we are to be faithful and fruitful in the “ministry of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:18) we will need to engage relationally as ambassadors more than either issuing edicts as cultural dictators, or cutting ties with the world outside our spiritual stockade.

AP Photo 2012

Yet it seems to be culturally acceptable to cut ties with others, blowing up our relational bridges because they don't meet our expectations. It is hard work to seek understanding and work towards reconciliation with those who have offended us or whom we have offended. We can unfriend/unfollow someone on social media with the click of a button. We end marriage through easy access to divorce for almost no reason at all. Many people are estranged from their family because one party or both are unwilling to seek forgiveness. This relational brokenness is a contributing factor to both economic and relational poverty. 

As pastors and Christian leaders, we should not contribute to further brokenness but participate in God's mission to "rebind the broken cosmos." However, sometimes our efforts are tragically flawed by our own self-assurance that we even know what the problem is, and our unilateral efforts to fix things because we are the ones who know/have the solution.

If you are interested in exploring this question, I am including links to three articles I wrote a few years ago for an academic cultural engagement blog, Compelled2.blogspot.com.

Bridge-building in a Chaotic World

How do we intentionally reach out to engage, to build bridges of understanding and respect, on behalf of the common good? The steps to building a physical bridge offer surprising insights into the process of building and maintaining relational/cultural bridges.

Bridge-building #2: Start with Listening

So many of our conflicts arise, or are exacerbated, by our failure to really listen. Just as large construction projects must include an environmental impact study, any effort at relational bridge-building must begin with serious listening. As the church looks for a ministry paradigm for an increasingly diverse yet hyper-connected world, the ambassador approach to cross-cultural engagement is vital!

Bridge-Building #3: Tolerances & Tighteners, Gaps & Grips

KGW News Photo

This article began as an assigned response to Paul Louis Metzger’s prompt entitled “Beyond Tolerance to Tenacious Love.” In this post I revisit what physical bridge-building teaches us about the tricky subject of tolerance and intolerance. Everyone loves a good object lesson…right?

While these posts don’t provide all the answers, perhaps they will help us to start asking the right questions. If these posts are helpful to you and your ministry, I would love it if you would let me know.

Longview Bridge
Photo: Greg K. Dueker

Fireworks, Unguarded Words, and Cultural Engagement

Eagle Creek Fire (Photo KATU)

While Houston was horribly flooded by Harvey and Florida evacuates in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, in Portland, known for its rain, it has been a long, hot, and completely dry summer. As usual, many lightning-started wildfires are burning around the state, particularly in Southern Oregon (Chetco Bar Fire) and in the Central Cascades (Milli Fire). 

As I write, approximately 35,000 acres along the Oregon side of the picturesque Columbia Gorge are burning in the Eagle Creek Fire as seen in this time-lapse video.  

This last fire was believed to have been started a week ago by some Washington teenagers throwing fireworks off a forest trail down into the canyon. While some may think that they wanted to start the fire, it might have been less intentional. Perhaps they just wanted to watch a smoke bomb fall and gave no thought to what would happen when it landed in the tinder-dry forest floor or as it bounced from rock to rock, throwing sparks onto very dry grass and leaves.

Photo KOIN-TV

So many have been hurt and inconvenienced by that careless action. All the fire departments in the region have sent resources to help, residents have been evacuated, and I-84 (a crucial transportation corridor) has also been closed to all traffic all week. The entire Portland metro area has been beneath the pall of the cloud of smoke and Mordor-like ashfall. The sun and the moon have been filtered and reddened to an apocalyptic degree for a hundred miles. Images and narratives fill the news and weather broadcasts (competing with floods and hurricanes elsewhere). Public opinion strongly contends that they should have known better. The damage is beyond anything they or their families could ever fix or pay for.

It is hard to watch this consuming story without seeing the latent object lesson in it... 

We all should know better. 

In the New Testament, one of Jesus’ half-brothers wrote a letter for all the churches to read. In an apt metaphor, he warned,

So also the tongue is a small member,

              yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze

      by such a small fire!

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.

The tongue is set among our members,

               staining the whole body,

               setting on fire the entire course of life,

              and set on fire by hell.

For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue.

It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and

 with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.

My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and saltwater? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. (James 3:5-12 ESV)

Our insensitive words are even more dangerous when spoken into an environment, a society, a culture, increasingly withered dry by disconnection and relational distrust, choked by structures and systems surprisingly unjust, made brittle by the unkindness (even trauma) of “I must…”.

There are too many tragic cases. In such a context, one of extreme fire danger, we are called to speak, serve, and love. As followers of Jesus, we should submit our words (and the inner condition they reveal) to a higher love than the self.  To a love that, when it speaks, reveals the One who claimed,

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovering of sight to the blind,
    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
    to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Certainly, we need to set a guard over our lips so that instead of cutting people down, our words and deeds might heal wounds and bind up the brokenhearted in a God-honoring way (Prov. 12:18; Psalm 147:2-3). We also need to learn how to engage those whose beliefs and experiences are different than our own in a way that doesn’t start a damaging fire of invective or pollute the place of meeting with the noxious smoke of ignorance.

For those of us who are in places of leadership and influence, it is important that we learn to minister in this changing cultural environment. We must unlearn some of our old ways so that we can reach the world in a more biblical, more relational, and more Kingdom-oriented way than before. 

Our words, as well as our tone and demeanor, even when we are speaking the truth, can be incendiary if we don’t first clear relational space to be heard with a healthy amount of love, listening, and learning how what we say is interpreted and understood. 

Photo by Bjørn Tore Økland
 on Unsplash

It is helpful to be reminded that we are not called to defend this place as our home, where we can demand our rights. Rather, we are called to die to that impulse in ourselves and serve God and humanity as ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven in a way that shows forth the overflowing heart of God. Christ’s ambassadors are not to leave scorched earth and a pall of smoke in their path; rather, they are to turn the valley of weeping into a wellspring of life (Psalm 84:6)!