Rising Above Character Weaknesses - Part 2

Although the U.S. presidential election is over, news organizations and others will continue searching for information to debunk the new president’s power to govern. False information becomes as powerful as truth when information services engage in a feeding frenzy to inundate consumers. This indicates that strengths and weaknesses exist in each person and will influence personal choices.

Pointing out weaknesses in others comes easier than owning them in ourselves. The most difficult course I took in graduate school required me to identify my weaknesses and share them with appropriate fellow classmates. I was surprised by the respect I gained for others who openly identified their weaknesses.

You’re aware of the Greek caption, “Know Thyself". 1 Corinthians 11:28 encourages believers to examine themselves before taking communion. It's important to recognize unconfessed sin and to resolve differences with others. This brings honor to Christ and the church for which he suffered and died. Consider this truth and take appropriate action.  

Rising Above Character Weaknesses - Part 1

It was said of President John F. Kennedy that he possessed all the necessary attributes for winning the White House. Among those attributes were privilege and personal relationships, in addition to possessing a strong personality and charisma. However, all these personality traits do not guarantee the nonexistence of character weaknesses.

Balaam possessed these character strengths, including power to influence the king of Moab’s policies concerning the Hebrew people. Even with these strong personality traits, he failed to achieve positive results. He refused to submit his weaknesses to the redemptive, cleansing power of God.

When weaknesses rule, your strengths lose their power. When Julius Caesar permitted himself to be seduced by Cleopatra, he lost respect and power, which prompted his assassination in 34 B.C. God promises you a way to escape temptation by making his power and help instantaneously available to all who earnestly seek it. Thank God for his mercy and kindness.  

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 3

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s honesty in owning up to his weaknesses. He confessed to doing the things he did not want to do and being unable to follow through on what he knew was right. Yet he could declare that where sin abounds, God's grace abounds even more, but then question, "Shall we sin deliberately so God’s grace might more abound?” He answers, “Absolutely not."

Weaknesses exist in each person, but allowing a weakness to dominate opens the door for evil to lay siege to the heart and mind. Consider Balaam’s attitude in Numbers 22. He knew what God required from him, but allowed the desire for social prestige and financial wealth to rule his choices.

When we try to hide or deny our weaknesses, a danger exists of their influence gaining power. The Apostle Paul petitioned God to take away his thorn in the flesh, which he identified as a weakness. God said His grace was sufficient to compensate for any weakness. God assured Paul that His power was made perfect in weakness. Isn't that good news? 

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 2

The search for happiness seems never-ending and elusive when dependent upon possessions and personal accomplishments. A couple sold their home and furnishings to live on a sailboat, a dream the couple had longed to do for years. It did however get a bit cramped when their adult children and grandchildren came aboard.

Some dreams pollute our moral and spiritual fiber, blinding us to who we are in Christ Jesus. The inordinate need for happiness can allow evil to infiltrate all we are and do. The mother of a musician pushed her son beyond his ability to cope with the pressure. His disappointment is expressed in these words: "We slave to gain a worthless treasure. A house without love is not a home."

Jesus encourages us to store up our treasures in heaven where they will be secure and safe. Treasures worthy of heaven are faith that produces works and deeds done in the name of Jesus, giving honor and glory to God. Jesus gives us joy and peace. These comprise the core for happiness.  

Choose to Control Your Weaknesses: God Will Help - Part 1

It's never been easy to live the Christian life. Every age has enticements that instigate sorrow and pain. There’s something about the human spirit that will flirt with what is tempestuous. God's Word consistently warns us about evil forces that destroy our happiness. A catchy news magazine article focused on the vulnerabilities of children and teenagers.

Children are not the only ones influenced by evil predators. Addiction to pornography is a worldwide adult scourge. Searching for excitement to substitute for the ordinary realities of life drives a person to flirt with evil. This flirtation makes individuals vulnerable to deception.

In Numbers 22 Balaam allows himself to be deceived and then to do what God warned him not to do. Evil gained a powerful foothold in his heart and soul.  Listen to St. Paul’s challenge. "Be careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every godly opportunity because the days are evil." These words are from God and are wonderful advice.  

Examine Your Choices: Consider the Cost - Part 3

Do you realize that God probes your heart to insure nothing is hidden from him or yourself? In a court of law, attorneys examine and cross-examine witnesses in search of the truth. Counselors listen for thoughts and feelings to help resolve emotional and relational conflicts. Mechanics have diagnostic tools for solving problems with your automobile.

God searches the heart for hidden and unforgiven sin. He examines the heart for motives that sabotage his purpose and plan. He knows we’re capable of intentions that are contrary to his ways and in conflict with our conscience. God checks out your heart to see if fellowship with him is based on truth and to challenge you to live within that truth.

God scrutinizes the heart, seeking wrong motives, thinking, and deeds that prevent growth and maturity in faith. Balaam, in Numbers 22, recognized and confessed his sin but never repented or changed. In contrast, David repented and begged God to create in him a clean heart. God is capable of doing just that. 

Examine Your Choices: Consider the Cost - Part 2

When Joshua challenged the Hebrew people to be committed to serving God, he knew it would require a thorough self-examination of their loyalty, which previously had been questionable. Successful businesses maintain precise inventories to retain profitable items while discontinuing those that do not justify their existence.

Plato, the Greek philosopher who lived four hundred years before Christ, wrote, "The unexamined life is not worth living," which means growth and maturity do not happen incidentally. Businesses give employees personal evaluations to determine their progress, but self-examination is just as important.

A lesson from Balaam’s life in Numbers 23 has to do with failure to do a self-inventory. When needed changes are avoided or side-stepped, a self-made crisis may not be preventable. God closely examines us, as David realized in Psalm 17:3. "You probe my heart and examine me." Thank God he does this so we can choose to remain close to his heart and purpose.