I really enjoy reading.

There’s something about a book that’s so complete – such a whole picture of someone’s thought or idea. I love watching how they introduce it, how it unfolds, and how they bring it together. Reading someone’s writing gives such a glimpse into their heart and their mind.

With our house we inherited 311 books. (Yes, I counted them). Everything from Biblical commentaries to Hemingway to Kissinger’s “Diplomacy.” As a lover of books, I was thrilled to have immediate access to this wealth of truth and knowledge (in my pajamas). A few months ago I picked “Company of the Committed” by Elton Trueblood off the shelf.

The synopsis simply read:

“Despite the popularity of churchgoing, millions are only back-pew Christians, Dr. Trueblood declares. What is needed is a task force of committed men and women who truly care for God, for the church, and for other people. Such a ‘valiant band for Christ’ would revitalize the church and transform society.”

I added a few chapters each day to my morning routine and found myself reading the most radical, spot-on book about community I’d ever come across (no offense, Bonhoeffer). By a guy I’ve never even heard of! (I’ve now learned he is somewhat of an American contemporary of C.S. Lewis).

I could write a blog series about the different themes of this book, but the one that has been the most transformative for me is his idea of “meekness.”

Prior to reading this book, I always associated the word “meek” with “weak.” Quiet, passive, humble. I wasn’t quite sure why Jesus was calling us to it, but I was positive  I did not possess it. With my tendency to speak out and fight for what I believe to be true (read: foot-shaped mouth), I didn’t think meekness would ever slip it’s way into my toolbox. (I was shooting for at least 60% of the beatitudes by my funeral – ambitious, I know).

Trueblood quotes Gerald Heard’s definition of praos (greek for meek):

“They used it for wild animals which had been tamed, trained, for wild horses which had been made able to work with men. There is then in this definition, nothing weak or spiritless but rather the description of an energy which, instead of exploding, is now channeled and directed. The tamed are not the tame… The trained are those whose powerful impulses have been put into understanding service.“

Whoa.

It’s not about rejecting  power, it’s about channeling it.

As a young Christian I was “explosive” – effective in some ways, but falling so short of my Kingdom potential in Christ. It wasn’t that I was young, it’s that I was undirected. My passion was firing arrows in every direction, hoping to hit a good mark. I wanted to change the world, but I had too much potential for collateral damage.

I had passion, a platform, and boldness. But I lacked the strength that resulted from meekness.

This summer marks 2 years on the bench from vocational ministry, and I’m thankful this time has been anything but wasted. God is refining me in the fire that produces meekness, and I’m growing in strength. I want to change the world, but I don’t want to be a loose cannon. I’m so ready to bring the love of Jesus to every corner of this city – but I want to represent Jesus well.

I want to be intentional and effective. Wise and bold. Strong and gentle. Responsible and radical.

Strategic and wild.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

[Matthew 5:5]