Beatitude 3: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Meek?

Written by Mark Wickersham, ECS Director of Spiritual Formation

When I was a wee student, I used to think dodgeball was the best game. Even when I became a teacher and principal, I found great delight in hurling a blazing ball at an athletic kid and showing the students that they should have a healthy fear of Mr. Wick. I also found great delight when students ganged up on me and got me out. I’m sure that was the first thing mentioned when the students saw their parents after school. 🙂 

Although my 51-year-old body can’t do what it did decades ago, if I were in a dodgeball game with a bunch of 1st graders, I could totally dominate that court! Imagine if I went all out and threw the dodgeballs at full force against kids who I outweigh by over 100 pounds! I’m sure I would get a few phone calls from some irate parents. But what adult wants to flex their muscles against youngsters who still pick their noses and eat their boogers? Is this what would show Christlike character, meekness, or is it the win-at-all-costs attitude that the world teaches? My example might be extreme, but our society, whether it be the corporate world, sports culture, or the media and entertainment industry, honors those who win big, even if people get hurt and cheating is involved. Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing, right?

When my girls were little, I read them the first Chronicles of Narnia book written and published in the series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We also watched Disney’s cinematic adaptation of the book. In this seven-book children’s fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, there is a lion, Aslan, who is the creator and king of a world known as Narnia. Aslan serves as an allegorical figure for Jesus Christ. Early in the story, we are introduced to the eldest sister of the Pevensie family, Susan. She has a conversation with Mr. Beaver and learns that Aslan is a lion. 

Susan asks, “Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.” Mr. Beaver replies, “Safe?… Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.” I love these lines. They are key to understanding who Aslan is.

Aslan isn’t safe. He’s a lion. We all know lions are big and strong. They are also heavy (males can be 330 to 550 pounds), have roars that can be heard up to five miles away, and can run as fast as 50 MPH. Lions have sharp retractable claws, and their bite strength can crush bone. It’s safe to say that we shouldn’t mess with lions. 

Aslan is no ordinary lion, though. Lions are symbolically known as the kings of the jungle, but Aslan is the king of the entire world of Narnia. He has a power like no other, and all should have a healthy fear of him, showing him the utmost respect and honor. Although Aslan is capable of ripping everyone to shreds, He is also kind, compassionate, and lovingly committed to his creation, Narnia. In the later chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan leads armies and fights battles. He also allows Susan and her sister Lucy to ride him. Aslan is the definition of meek. Aslan has the power to run over everyone, but instead, he humbly serves those weaker than him. He has the right and power to do whatever He wants, but he often shows a spirit of gentleness, patience, and love. Aslan could dominate every dodgeball match, but he delights in helping others find success. 

Are we teaching our kids to be meek like this? This is not weakness. This is how to be blessed, to receive favor from God and have a satisfied soul. This is how true Christians will be. We trust Christ in our hardships instead of taking control of matters or manipulating the situations. Our strength is guided by the Spirit under His control instead of us seeking to be in control. And those who submit to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, will receive peace and joy in this challenging life and a perfect eternal home on a new earth. Do you believe this? Do others see this? Let’s show others God’s work in us and bring Him the glory!

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5