“You have remained true to God under great and intense trials--now beware of the undercurrent… Unguarded strength is actually a double weakness, because that is where the least likely temptations will be effective in sapping strength. The Bible characters stumbled over their strong points, never their weak ones.” (My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers)
Normally we think of our weaknesses as leading to temptations. If you have a weakness for chocolate, you are more likely to guard yourself when walking by a candy store. But let’s say you are a great musician and a great cook. Your musical skills give you public accolades, and you feel energized when you perform on stage. On the other hand, cooking feeds your family, but it also leaves you alone in the kitchen with a lot of dirty dishes. The temptation to pursue the strength that brings you more satisfaction is subtle, yet justifiable. Especially if these strengths lead to greater financial rewards, respect in the community, and self-sufficiency. Or to put it more bluntly, we are tempted to use the strengths that lead to money, prestige and power.
How can we guard against stumbling over our strengths? First, we must be aware of all our personal assets, including the freedom to make choices, money, education, health, time, skills, family, friends, talents, etc. Then, we must carefully consider how each of these abilities might lead us away from God’s will. If you have the freedom to make choices, what motivates you to make one choice over the other? If you have money or an education, do you use it for self-gratification? Do you use your health, time, skills, and talents for self-glorification? Are your relationships and connections leading you closer to God, or are they more of a distraction?
Searching for answers…
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