Christian Living
People say a lot that it is important to know one's strengths and weaknesses. You usually hear this mentioned in the context of the business or career world or in matters dealing with relationships. I am going to submit a reason for each, of a spiritual nature.
First, let me deal with the weaknesses. We are not talking about skills here. Why should Christians know the weak spots in their character or personality?
The answer is that Satan is most prone to attack us in our most vulnerable area. Here are two examples from my own life. I am prone to react to things, especially with my speech. Well, Satan knows that one or two words spoken in the wrong way can destroy a relationship. My second example has to do with wrong habits. It is easy for me to resort back to bad habits when I am going through a low point in my life, and it all begins with what I allow my thoughts to focus on. Satan delights in kicking us when we are down. We must know our weaknesses because Satan likes to takes advantage of them. Think of some weaknesses in your life that Satan might be using to your own demise.
Now, on to the strengths. As people in general, we all have certain strengths and abilities, things we enjoy and are good at. However, and more specifically as Christians, we each have at least one spiritual gift. These are listed in several passages of Scripture, and giftedness is a commone theme of the Bible.
Spiritual gifts are not the same as natural or trained abilities. For example, people tell me I have a gift for music, but it is actually a trained ability developed through 6 years of college. On the other hand, people have told me I am a gifted writer and speaker but I have never had any training or classes in either.
As much as we need to see the distinction, both our natural or trained abilities and our spiritual gifts need to be recognized and pursued to the glory of God to help advance His Kingdom work. It's called putting our potential to work and maximizing our life to the fullest. It's taking what God has given us and giving it back to Him. Scripture tells us to pursue our giftedness. David slew Goliath, not just because he was available, but because he was an expert in using a sling shot. God used his strength to killl the giant.
That's not to say God does not use our weaknesses, too. He does. He uses our weaknesses to show us our sinful and vulnerable natures and to bring glory to Himself. However, he gave us our giftedness so that we know where to best focus our time and energy in building His Kingdom.
Many Christians are missing God's plan for their lives because they are not recognizing what God has designed them to do. In fact, it is possible that some Christians are engaged in work that God never intended for them.
Give some thought as to your giftedness and begin pursuing it. Then watch God start directing your paths and opening up opportunities. You'll be off on an exciting journey!
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