Can I Guard Against Self-sabotage?

Friends play a significant role in each person’s life from childhood onward. There are many levels of friendship, ranging from casual to best friends. In healthy friendships the ties that bind individuals together are personal strengths like commitment, trust, respect, and abiding love.

Mutual weaknesses exist in friendships, but mutual strengths tend to compensate for weaknesses in each other’s character and personality. Samuel’s role was to mentor Saul on how to be king, but more importantly, to listen and obey God’s instructions. This was to be his highest objective.

1 Samuel 15 reveals Saul’s propensity for self-sabotage leading to God’s rejecting him as Israel’s king. God rejected Saul for disobedience and for lying about being obedient. Living within God’s boundaries is the best deterrent to self-sabotage. Daily acknowledging the presence of God in your life should always be your highest priority.  

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All day and all night your hand was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you an stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess my sins to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

~Psalm 32:4-5 The Living Bible

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How Do my Strengths or Weaknesses Shape my Maturity?

Transitions in life are unavoidable although tremendous effort may be exerted to prevent change from taking place. It is difficult to admit that change is required for contentment and peace of mind. Each transition requires maturity and faith to successfully complete it.

Our strengths and weaknesses play a major role in determining our adjustment to unavoidable transitions. Leaving home to be independent is a major passage, as is marriage, becoming a parent, or changing careers. What helps us get through life’s transitions is believing it is God’s purpose for our personal good.

Ask yourself, “What do I need to change about myself at this time in my life that I’ve never been able or willing to change in the past? What does God want me to understand that I haven’t learned from all of my past experiences?” Growing in fellowship, appreciation, and love for God is a never-ending challenge, but a doable transition for your life. 

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Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

~Ephesians 4:1-3 New American Standard Bible

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