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Strength
I would like to take this time to discuss the word strength and how it is related to our spiritual lives. The dictionary defines strength as the quality or state of being strong, ability to do or to bear, capacity of endurance or exertion. Strength is something that we will need in order to reach Heaven. Without strength we will not be able to defeat temptation. Let’s examine how to obtain strength and what will happen if we do not maintain strength.
To obtain strength or to be strong is something that will take time to achieve. You can’t expect this process to happen in a day. This will require work of the individual. Just like with our physical bodies if we want to build our strength then we will have to work at it. If an individual does not train and exercise they will not meet their physical strength goal. If this individual meets their goal in being fit and does not maintain a regular routine of exercise then they will eventually lose their strength. We must continue building our strength.
As Christian’s we need to be strong in Christ. In Proverbs 1 8:10, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it, and are safe” NKJV. Christians that have just entered Christ are babes and will need to build their strength. They are not as strong as seasoned Christians and are more vulnerable to temptation. In 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,” NKJV.
We have to do different types of exercise to train different parts of our body. We can lift weights, run, bike, swim, etc. Each event trains a different part of the body. We cannot expect to do dumbbell curls and strengthen our legs from it. As a Christian there are numerous things we can do to help strengthen us or obtain strength. We need to talk to the Lord in prayer. This will help strengthen us as a Christian and we can ask for him to strengthen and guide us with His word. Matt. 21:22, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing you will receive.” NKJV. We can also train our spiritual body through Bible study. If we will take the time to study God’s word, then we will be able to better apply it. Another way to strengthen your spirit is by attending worship and having fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. Being around our brothers and sisters and studying with them will aid us in growing and becoming stronger.
Once you have your strength you must maintain it and help it to grow. You have to maintain your strength or you will become weak. Again, as in physical strength, if one does not continue to exercise and keep a healthy diet, they will lose their strength and become weaker. The same applies to the Christian. They cannot expect to be a strong Christian if healthy habits are not kept. A Christian cannot expect to be strong if they stop praying to God. If they stop talking to Lord in prayer they will become weaker and be more likely to fall to temptation. Mark 14:38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” NKJV. Also, you will lose your strength if you do not attend worship services on regular bases. If we are not around to learn and gain from our brothers and sisters in Christ we will be more likely to turn to the world. You must continue in the things that bring you closer to the Lord if you want to be a strong Christian and grow in his word.
Having spiritual strength is indeed something we need to achieve our goal. We want to build our strength around the foundation of the Lord. If we gain our strength from the Lord, then we will be building it on something that is solid and will hold up against the wiles of the devil.
Luke 6:47-49 “Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.”
Jason Hudson
