Weakness

When we fill out a resume, we tend to list our best qualities and attributes while omitting our failures, bad habits, and weaknesses. We probably would be unemployed if we did mention those negative things! It’s in our nature to want to put our best foot forward and minimize our less positive qualities.  

But that version of ourselves is not a true representation, is it? If we really wanted to show others an accurate picture of our lives, it would have to include the good and the bad. And God sees both sides. He loves us completely, even knowing all our flaws. Jesus’ sacrifice has allowed us to be made perfect in Him even though we are not perfect ourselves, and Paul tells us that it’s okay to admit that we have weaknesses: 

But he [Jesus] 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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. -2 Corinthians 12:9 

When it comes to our relationship with God, we don’t need to try to pretend we are perfect and ignore the faults. We need to admit the faults and allow Christ’s power to help us overcome them. Don’t be afraid to admit your weaknesses this week. Let Christ’s power be made perfect through you so you can have a more authentic relationship with Him. 

Journey on!

Your Reputation

There is a popular belief in our society that we shouldn’t care about what anyone thinks of us- just be yourself and tell those who don’t approve to bug off. It is true that we should be authentic, but that concept is regrettably self-centered. God created you to be the amazing person you are, and He wants you to use the gifts He gave you to help and encourage others. If you choose to run people over with abrasiveness and pride, who is going to listen to you when you have something important to say? There are definitely times when we need to get bold and passionate with our words, as Jesus did when he was speaking against injustice and abuse of others. But in many cases when someone disagrees with you, all that is required is a little patience and wisdom spoken with respect.   

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
       but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
 

Ultimately, the goal is not to win an argument and hold the title of being “right.” It’s to help others truly understand and know God. Make an effort this week to show Christ to others by showing others the respect and love they deserve.
 

Journey on!

Encouragement

When someone praises you, it lifts up your spirit. It makes it a little easier to keep doing whatever you were doing because you feel encouraged. Many times in a day you may hear people complaining, getting angry at the little things, or talking negatively about someone. When we constantly participate in negative conversation, it can make our jobs less enjoyable, and can drag us down with the ones who were speaking. I challenge you to pay attention to the way you conduct your conversations this week. Are you unintentionally dragging other down by complaining? Or are you being an encouragement to those around you? Find ways each day to be a light to someone you encounter. Let others know you appreciate them and that they are doing a great job. You will find that when you focus on encouraging others, you will be encouraged as well! 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 

Journey on!

Spiritual Struggle

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”

Galatians 5:16-17 

We all have a sinful nature as humans. No one goes along in life without struggling with sin. It’s a challenge at times to understand how to deal with our issues. But when we live as children of God who have been set free through Christ, we know we are forgiven no matter the struggles. God loves us despite our baggage! But He tells us that if we can learn to walk in Him and follow where He leads, we can avoid many of the traps of our sinful nature. As His followers, we need to recognize our weaknesses and not become paralyzed by them but rather expose them and ask Christ to set us free. We can take steps to avoid situations that we know will tempt us in our personal struggles, and find spiritual partners to encourage us and challenge us in our journey. Take time to focus your heart this week on walking firmly in the Spirit rather than allowing your sinful nature to take control. 

  Journey on!