I was a bit puzzled with a recent post on the The Clean, Good Life called How To: Pick Something to Improve On. The author, Matcha, challenged me to list my strengths and weaknesses–in order of magnitude–and then get to work on my biggest weakness.
Wait a second! Most self-improvement experts say to focus on improving your strengths, not weaknesses, I said to myself–only half convinced.
Ok, I’ll give it a shot.
Strengths (high to low): kind, genuine, congenial, empathetic, open and gregarious.
Weaknesses (high to low): approval addict, overly sensitive, insecure, impetuous and conceited.
I understand, reading about me gazing at my own navel is not particularly engaging, but please read on.
Conducting this exercise wasn’t easy–especially the part about admitting my weaknesses. But I think I see what Matcha is getting at.
Considering my shortcomings not only made me aware of my frailties, it invited me to confront them.
The apostle Paul had such an aha moment when he prayed for Jesus to take away his greatest weakness–something he called his “thorn in the flesh.”
As you no doubt recall, this is how Christ responded:
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. – (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Paul responds by saying, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – (2 Corinthians 12:10) He then comments that, for Christ’s sake, he actually DELIGHTS in weaknesses.
For when I am weak, then I am strong. – (2 Corinthians 12:11)
I’ve read these verses of scripture many times, but after Matcha’s improvement exercise, they took on new meaning.
Because God’s power is made perfect in weakness, His grace is always sufficient!
You and I don’t have to fear our weaknesses or avoid them. On the contrary, we should delight in them–knowing that His strength is perfect.
His strength is perfect when our strength is gone.
Steven Curtis Chapman
He’ll carry us when we can’t carry on.
Maybe you’d like to try Matcha’s exercise? What are YOUR strengths and weaknesses? And how will you get to work on your biggest weakness (besides taking Paul’s advice)?😇
Photo by Daniel Mingook Kim on Unsplash
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
16 responses to “The Power of Weakness”
Same to you!
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Me too,Gary. Me too. My selfish ambition and pride have sometimes tempted me to think otherwise. Thankfully, God has blessed me with a wife of noble character and abundant patience. During one of my most notable “It’s my turn,” tantrums she said this: “David, you don’t have to be a hero to be effective.” The discussion, and tantrum, ended then and there.
Thank you for your comment and for reading my offerings. God Bless
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I take heart in knowing there is not enough room at the finish line for all my weaknesses. I marvel at how much God has used them more often then my strengths down through the years. Thats a good exercise David
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Ha, ha! I’m just glad your comment didn’t go to my spam folder.
Thanks! Blessings, and Merry Christmas.
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I shall try this, as soon as I get rid of the image of you gazing at your navel! 🙂
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You bet! It was a helpful exercise and I wanted others to know about it.
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You figured the exercise out to a T.
From a self-improvement point of view, most people cannot or will not acknowledge their weaknesses. It is the very reason why they remain our weaknesses. Only once you admit them do you know where to start. Sure, you can work on your strengths, but then you will always have that Achilles heel.
But as you said (perfectly meshing with scripture), from a Christian perspective, God’s strength shines in our weakness because it causes us to lean on him.
Not to mention, listing your weaknesses is a humbling experience.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
Great post, thanks for the mention!
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Thank you 🙏🏽 according to the weather people they are ready to guarantee a white Christmas. Apparently we’re going to have a snow storm 😂😂 the girls will be over the moon 🌝
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Well, thank you, Brenda. I probably am more conceited in my thoughts sometimes.
I appreciate your stopping by.
Hopefully, you’ll have a white Christmas up in your neck of the woods—as you like to say.😀. Merry Christmas to you, your husband and the girls as well! Yes, I look at your excellent photos!
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Definitely a thought provoking question. You do not look like a conceited person though 😄 Merry Christmas 🎁
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You’re welcome, Vince!
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Thanks. I needed this today.
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Thank you, Betty. I suppose I am a fairly honest and straightforward person.
You’re right, knowing our weaknesses and limitations is a good thing. Otherwise, we put ourselves in difficult situations!
I hope you enjoy your day as well.
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You should add honest to your list of strengths. It takes a strong person to list his or her weaknesses publicly! I find by acknowledging my weaknesses, I can more easily surrender to the power of faith. And that brings peace and comfort. Thanks for another thoughtful post, David. Enjoy your day!
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Introspection isn’t always comfortable, but I found this experience helpful. Thank you.
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Definitely a good exercise for all of us.
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