Blessed are the MEEK ?

Standing on a hill , preaching to an ever-growing group followers Jesus uttered one phrase that would plague "good Christians" until the end of time itself. On the surface it wouldn't seem to be such a profound thought, just four simple words ... blessed are the meek. How could such a simple statement be so misunderstood? For centuries "good Christians" have labored under the misconception that to be meek means to be a doormat for the "world". Hardly; you must remember that this was said by the same Christ who had the audacity to have dinner with a tax collector in the name of God. Yes Jesus said "turn the other cheek", no, Jesus did not say "be overly submissive and compliant" This is after all the same Christ who ran through the temple overturning tables. Be meek , not subserviant. What exactly is it to be meek? At its best the word meek means patience, humility and a certain even-ness of temper and attitude. At its worst the word meek seems to convey thoughts of cowed submissiveness and fear . The Church and her congregations are preyed upon because they are full of the "meek". For those of us who have been given charge over God's own children, being meek can NOT mean being compliant. We can NOT afford to go blindly about our business accepting all help that is offered to us in what would seem to be a spirit of faithfulness and love. We must be dilligent, we must be watchful, we must be kind, but we must not be fools . Be meek, not mindless . Walking in the spirit of love does not mean we are to become easy targets for those who would do harm to family of God. Be meek , not naive. For in the same book where Christ said "blessed are the meek", he also gives warning for us to "be wise as serpants but as innocent as doves". (MT 10:16)