Meekness -- A Dimension of True Discipleship

Over a year ago I listened to "Meekness -- A Dimension of True Discipleship" (ldsvoices.com) by Neal A Maxwell. I just found my notes and thought I would post them so I can find them easier later.

In that premortal council wherein Jesus meekly volunteered to aid the Father's plan, He said, "Here am I, send me." (Abr. 3:27.) It was one of those special moments when a few words are preferred to many. Never has one individual offered, in so few words, to do so much for so many, as did Jesus, when He meekly proffered Himself as ransom for all of us, billions upon billions of us!

In contrast, brothers and sisters, we often see in our unnecessary multiplication of words not only a lack of clarity, but much vanity. Our verbosity is sometimes a cover for insincerity or uncertainty, whereas the subtraction of self reduces the unnecessary multiplication of words.

another

Meekness is one of those attributes acquired only by experience, some of it painful, for it is developed "according to the flesh." (Alma 7:11–12 .) It is not an attribute achieved overnight, nor is it certified to in only one exam—but, rather, "in process of time." (Moses 7:21, 68–69 .) The Savior said we are to "take up [the] cross daily"—not just once or occasionally. (Luke 9:23.) His rigorous requirement places a premium upon our having meekness.

another

The meek think of more clever things to say than are said. And it's just as well, for there is so much more cleverness in the world than wisdom, so much more sarcasm than idealism.

The meek can be bold

Meekness permits us to be prompted as to whether to speak out or, as Jesus once did, be silent. But even when the meek speak up, they do so without speaking down.
I stress again that meekness does not mean we are bereft of boldness. A meek, imprisoned Joseph Smith displayed remarkable boldness in rebuking the grossness of the guards in Richmond jail:
"Silence, ye fiends of the infernal pit! In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die this instant!" (History of the Church, 3:208.)

another

Meekness rests on trust and courage. It is reflected in Nephi's meek acceptance of an assignment, saying, "I will go and do …" (1 Ne. 3:7 ) without knowing beforehand all the implications of what he was undertaking.