Romans 15:1
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Have you given thought to what a strong person looks like, and do you see yourself as strong? If you are going by the definition in the dictionary it states: “having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks” You will also find it being used in these ways; a person likely to succeed, a convincing person, a knowledgeable person, emotionally resilient, and yes physically powerful. Most of us who go by the title Christian would hope to live up to the above definition, and who has not had a coach give them this counsel man up, give it all you got, go for the gusto, give 100% so that you do not drop the ball on the day of the game, for the team is counting on you.
Do you recall Jesus’ words in John 10:10, it’s about a thief who has come to steal, kill, and destroy you, and he is known for his ability to deceive and spin the truth, I still call that lying. That thief or deceiver will use the above definition of being strong to rob you of real strength, for the Scripture states in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10,
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” And the question each of us who follow Christ must ask is God’s grace sufficient?
The Psalmist tells us in Psalm 84:11, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. God’s grace enables us to serve, look at 1 Corinthians 15:10, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” Grace is manifested in self-sacrifice, look at 2 Corinthians 8:9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Now some of the best of news; God’s grace was imparted to sinful people, people like you, and people like me, look at 1 Timothy 1:12-14, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.”
In the book of Ephesians 1:7-10, we have this wonderful insight; “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.”
As a follower of Christ, you always have a choice, and the choice is do I desire to be a cultural Christian who looks strong in the world, but has no power, no spiritual strength, or will I ask for weakness so Christ who is my life can show Himself strong in my weakness?
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
No comments:
Post a Comment