Finding Strength in Christ Rather Than Yourself
You may have knowledge and intellect and experience, all of which can be read as strength and can certainly contribute to you becoming a stronger person in the biblical and amazing sense.
Strength is Christ
Play the original Excel Still More episode here without leaving the article.
Begin with the truth
And then in addition to just trying to find the right definitions, I've been thinking about the worldwide stage over the last 24 hours. Several weeks ago, most of our focus was on Canada and the leader of that land and how weak he is, and how there is perceived strength and muscle and ability, but behind it a fragility of character that could cause a lot of damage.
And then we just kind of forgot about him because recently Russia has mounted a land attack against Ukraine.
What this reveals about God
And I'm sitting here in this chair in a wonderful state of peace because strength is Christ. And I know that's true in the comforting sense that Jesus has all strength and wisdom and power, but that's not exactly the point today.
The point is every ounce of strength that I can develop will be developed in the image of Jesus Christ.
Let faith take root
If you're someone who loves to learn and you know more than other people, you've read more than other people, your IQ allows you to understand more than other people. That means you have extra tools to use with the integrity and resolve of the heart that you have to do amazing things, but simply having that intellect is not strength by itself.
The New Testament talks at great length about the wise, the scribes, the know-it-alls, who were fools, who made themselves out to be fools, because they thought that strong men know things and understand things, and weak men don't.
Respond in daily life
Help me get my mind off of these false proofs of strength that many weak men possess and help me to be more like Jesus because true strength is Christ. Okay, here's the second suggestion for the weak, and you've heard me say it before.
In Galatians chapter five, the Holy Spirit teaches us about true, abiding, useful strength in the form of nine character traits love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where do I see the problem or opportunity described in “Finding Strength in Christ Rather Than Yourself” in my own life?
- 02What Scripture or spiritual principle in this study most needs my attention?
- 03What one specific change can I make this week to put this teaching into practice?
Prefer listening?
The original episode player is available near the top of this article, so you can listen without leaving the page.