The Real Word:
Speak Up, Meekly!
Let's face it: we think we know it all. And it's not surprising,
really. Pop culture tells us that we should make up our own minds about
everything, question authority if we don't like what we hear, and not
submit ourselves to anyone. This false idea is based on a truth: It's
about being strong and standing up for what we think is right.
Does being strong mean being aggressive?
Being meek and humble does not necessarily mean being quiet. When Jesus
told us that the meek shall inherit the earth, he did not mean for us
to hang our heads and slink away. In fact, standing up for one's beliefs
and doing it humbly can be a mighty tall order. Luckily, we have a little
help if we want it!
Good and upright is the LORD, who shows sinners the way,
Guides the humble rightly, and teaches the humble the way.
(Psalms 25:8-9)
Especially
in America, we have taken the idea of free speech to an almost ridiculous
extreme. People seem to think that it's okay to say whatever we want because
we have the constitutional right to do so. But what if our words hurt
others?
Is it okay to hurt people, provided we're standing up for what is "right"?
It is very common to hear people say "the ends justify the means."
But in most cases, that makes morality completely situational. Granted,
there is a time to look at specific circumstances, but you cannot justify
a wrongful act when there was a better alternative available.
In almost all instances, being verbally abusive or aggressive is wrong
-- even if the position we are taking is just. Again, we should be meek
and humble in what we say and in how we say it. If nothing else, we should
keep in mind that arrogant, aggressive words will usually make people
respond in anger. And when people are angry, real communication usually
stops.
A mild answer calms wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise pours out knowledge, but the mouth of fools spurts
forth folly. (Proverbs 15:1-2)
It takes courage to stand up for something you believe in. It takes even
more courage to remain calm in the face of opposition. When we're put
on the spot, our "fight or flight" instinct kicks in and it
can feel natural to set humility and meekness aside. However, we're not
animals. We can use our will and reason - and not just our feelings or
insticts - to choose how to respond. We need to stand up for what is right,
and we have to do it in a Christian manner.
But how do we really know what's "right"?
In many ways, our Catholic beliefs run contrary to popular culture. Premarital
sex, the importance of marriage, the sanctity of life -- these are all
issues where pop culture is often directly opposed to the Church's
wisdom, often promoting opposite positions.
The teachings of the Church are not based on arbitrary decisions or simple
opinions. If a person cares to look, there is a mountain of evidence to
support virtually any position the Church has taken. God's truth is not
interpreted on a whim, and morality is not decided over coffee and donuts.
If we want to know what is "right", we need to start with the
Church. Once we've taken the time to learn and understand the teachings
of the Church, then we must share the Good News with others. Even teens
should be sharing their faith with their friends in a humble, caring way.
Do we need to become "morality police"?
Stop judging, that you may not be judged. Why do you notice the splinter
in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own
eye? (Matthew 7:1,3)
When Jesus told us to stop judging, he was not saying that we couldn't
recognize the faults of others. On the contrary, we are commissioned at
baptism to share the Good News with the world. What we need to watch out
for are those times when we are so quick to point out the faults of others
that we overlook our own faults. For example, when I criticize my brother
for being a whiner, then complain at length about not getting the car
on Friday night, I am doing what Jesus warned against.
If we are humble and meek, we are purposely aware of our own faults. And
in seeing our own shortcomings, we are able to keep our egos in check.
It is difficult to be arrogant and prideful when we are conscious of our
own limitations. In order to see our relationship with God and our relationships
with others from an honest perspective, we must always seek true self-knowledge.
People will see that something is different in us. When we share our beliefs
with them, rather than feeling threatened, they will be comfortable listening
to what we have to say. And when they detect no hint of superiority or
self-righteousness in our message, they may just hear the Good News after
all!
By Brandon Jubar
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