The world teaches us to worship our strengths and ignore our weaknesses.
Romans 12 warns us not to copy the behaviors of this word. Instead, we should "transform the way we think" (NLT) and "be transformed by the renewing of our mind." (NIV).
In the original text, the Bible’s reference to “mind” comes from the greek: νοῦς noûs, nooce (perceiving, understanding, feeling, judging, determining)
The renewal of our mind is a two part equation that requires (1) a Biblical worldview and (2) godly character.
Transforming our worldview (the understanding of right vs. wrong) requires Biblical wisdom, which is only gained from a devotion to Scripture.
Transforming our character starts with an honest evaluation of our spiritual gifts, strengths, and weaknesses.
Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves Romans 12:3
Most of our strengths and weaknesses, which include our fears and stressors, are found in the way we think.
For example:
Do we have a growth mindset (strength) or a fixed mindset (weakness)?
Are we confident (strength) or proud (weakness)?
Are we enthusiastic (strength) or attention-seeking (weakness)?
Are we good listeners (strength) or indifferent (weakness)?
Are we thoughtful (strength) or critical (weakness)?
Godly character develops through the process of transforming our weaknesses into strengths. Jesus modeled a life living in strengths, and we should too.
Weaknesses are simply out-of-balance strengths.
Over-used strengths turn confidence into dominance, precision into criticism, and spontaneity into haphazardness.
Under-developed strengths yield indecision, intolerance, impatience, restlessness, depression, over-thinking, unforgiveness, and resentfulness.
While God encourages us to live in our strengths for His glory, don't be surprised if He develops our character through our weaknesses.
Our spiritual growth and character is perfected through our weakness.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.“ James 1:2-3 NLT
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4 NLT
God demonstrates his use of faithful people in spite of their weaknesses repeatedly in the Bible.
For example:
Abraham was compromising and fearful.
Moses was hesitant, reluctant, and skeptical.
Gideon was afraid.
Peter was impulsive and haphazard.
Martha was unsympathetic and resentful.
Job was defiant and argumentative.
Paul was demanding and headstrong.
In spite of Paul's God-given strengths and accomplishments, he chose to boast only in his weaknesses, to prevent receiving credit beyond what he deserves.
I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message. 2 Corinthians 12: 5 - 6
How can we tell if we’re increasing our strengths and transforming our weaknesses?
A conflict with your parent, spouse, or teenager is a great test of character. Can we navigate the conflict with empathy and unconditional love?
The Bible calls us to use our strengths for the service of others, while transforming our weaknesses.
Your efforts to increase your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses honors God.
Are you ready to take a closer look at who God created you to be? Start The Honors Course - Step 1: Discovery
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