Weakness part 1
This is kind of a tricky subject. Because we've been taught--especially as the male half of the population--that weakness is a problem. That weakness is not ok. That we're not allowed to be weak. We have to be strong. We have to be self-sufficient. But it turns out that this mindset is not exactly Biblical. That this mindset is really pretty toxic. Because we can't do it all alone. It's not good that man should be alone, right? I can't do everything. I'm strong in some areas, yes. But I'm also weak in some areas. There are things I'm good at, and there are things I'm not. But--and I think this is going to be the thrust of this Rant series--it goes even deeper than that. Have you ever heard the expression "weak in the knees"? As in, "When he looked at her she made him weak in the knees." He felt so strongly for her that it made him weak. It made him vulnerable. He let his guard down. Let his walls come crumbling down. And that's not a bad thing. That's a good thing. That's a great thing! Being able to connect with someone on that level, man, that's what it's all about. Sometimes being weak is the best thing in the world. So we have to change our mindset about it. Look at 1 Corinthians 2:3, "And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." We need to stop judging weakness, and just be there with people. Be there FOR people. Because, let's be real, no matter what aspect of weakness we're talking about... when we're weak, we need someone with us to be strong. And, I mean, bottom line, end of the day, we have Jesus. Paul wrote, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). When we are weak... that gives God room to be strong. When we think we can do it all ourselves, I believe God will let us do what we're of a mind to do. For the most part. I think sometimes He will go to great lengths (see Jonah and the fish) to help us do the right thing. But I don't think God really enjoys forcing His will on people. Love does not demand its (HIS) own way. If we think we can do it ourselves, I think God will let us try. But that's foolish. Foolhardy. We should never be so puffed up with pride that we don't think we need God (LOVE) in our lives. Everyday in every way. What situation is made better by a lack of love? What situation is improved by leaving love out of it? And, listen, if we know we can't do it ourselves... that's not "weakness" as much as it is wisdom. Asking for help when you need it is the smartest, and bravest, thing that you can do. The end of 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, "...Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth." When we think we know it all, we're really just puffing ourselves up and setting ourselves up for a fall. But when we let love reign we edify ourselves and each other. When we let people in, we can make anything happen. I might not be good at it. But you might be great at it. So together... we got this. And, by letting you in--by asking for help when I need it--you just might make me weak in the knees. You might be just what I've been looking for. And that's not a bad thing. That's a great thing!