Skill and Spiritual Dependency CAN Go Together
Sometimes we make a false choice in the Christian faith. We believe God can only use people totally weak and helpless because any strength offered by man would boast of man's glory and take from God's glory. But is that the picture the totality of Scripture paints?
Yes, Paul talked about how strength comes from our weaknesses.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) 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.
2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV) 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.
In back to back verses, Paul refers to God's strength in places of great weakness. Yet remember the context. He was speaking of his heavenly vision and the thorn in the flesh given him so that he might not grow proud and arrogant. In spite of that thorn, Paul saw God's strength working through it. Yet this is not the sum of Paul's testimony. He was highly educated in Jewish scripture. He was a Roman citizen which enabled him to travel and preach freely. He was well versed in the law. He was talented and strong in many many ways. God used those strengths to achieve the expansion of the Gospel message in the first century.
Does this CONTENT help you?
Consider donating to support this ministry. Even $1 makes a difference.
The reality? Your skill and God's strength CAN go together. I see this in the genealogy of the Reubenite clan in 1 Chronicles 5. First, we are reminded of Reuben's sin and subsequent shame:
1 Chronicles 5:1 (ESV) The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son;
But then the chapter shows us a surprising blessing upon the Reubenite clan in later generations.
1 Chronicles 5:18 (ESV) The Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew the bow, expert in war, 44,760, able to go to war.
Look at those adjectives. This clan became skilled and valiant, experts! They were not subject to an irreversible generational curse. God can turn any curse into blessing. In the next verse, scripture describes their conquest.
1 Chronicles 5:19–20 (ESV) They waged war against the Hagrites, Jetur, Naphish, and Nodab. 20 And when they prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and He granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him.
I love this. They were skilled but still relied on the help of God. They were valiant, but they were fervent in prayer! You can BE BOTH. Just like you don't have to be strong for God to use you, you don't have to be weak for God to use you. God gave this strong and valiant clan a mighty victory and great spoil. Why? Because they didn't let their physical ability stifle their spiritual vitality. Neither should you. You can be strong in mind and body AND strong in faith and the Spirit. God takes delight in making you strong!
Isaiah 58:11 (ESV) And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
God is for you. He wants to empower you. So take time to develop your brain and body but also your spiritual life. This is the best way to honor the God who gave you your life.
Did this CONTENT help you?
Consider donating to support this ministry. Even $1 helps keep it going.
Comments
Post a Comment