Strengths
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
2nd Corinthians 12:9
Play to your strengths.
It’s wisdom. And it is used in every walk of life, right?
Every coach strategizes to lean on the special gifting of your team.
College applications are all about highlighting your aptitude and effectiveness. Are you in sales? Highlighting your products successes and accomplishments is essential. Even in relationships; think about a first date, you probably didn’t suggest going dancing if you’ve got no rhythm standing atop two left feet. No! You play to your strengths. You lead with your best foot forward. It’s all about your first impression.
Conventional wisdom in self improvement teaches that improving your strengths is a better use of time and energy than trying to level up your weaknesses. Culture seems to pivot on the axis of strengths. And, the better you are at hiding, denying, and covering your weaknesses, the more favorable you are perceived and elevated.
In short, weaknesses are… well… weak. And pretending you don’t have them is a popular strategy.
But not to Jesus. Not in the economy of faith.
It is probably not sound business advise to hire the weakest candidates for a position. And yet, there is something profoundly important when we embrace our weaknesses as followers of Jesus.
He shows up.
He shows off.
The power of your weakness is it gives you a clearer understanding of God’s work. Think about it. If all you ever do is play to your strengths it becomes incredibly easy to start to think that you are the one that is accomplishing all the things you do.
When was the last time you went to the eye doctor? Getting your vision tested and determining the proper prescription of eye glasses is an eye opening experience—pun intended. Which is clearer? Number 1 or number 2? And each time the doctor or technician is changing the lens so that you can see more clearly.
The beauty of my corrective lenses is that it is incredibly easy to tell that it is my glasses—not my eyes—that are helping me to see clearly. My weakness. The glasses are the key to my good vision.
Living out of your weakness is the best way to see God show up and show off in your life. If you play to your strengths you will become hypnotized to the notion that you are the one that is strong. As Paul reminds us, the power of God is on display most clearly in your weakness. This is where it is harder for you to take credit. If you only lean on your strength you are far more likely to be disillusioned to think that it is you.
Newsflash: It isn't you. It's Him. It alway has been. It always will be. All good things find their start in the Triune God.