Having a healthy sense of self-esteem is good. Knowing we have abilities and strengths to contribute in life helps maintain a healthy sense of purpose. To feel we have something of value to offer in this life’s varied activities can provide us with a sense of personal value. Though we should be careful what activities our sense of life worth is attached to, it is not a bad thing to feel good about the works we do. Even Paul felt good about his work for God, but this was coupled with a focus on it being what Christ accomplished through him. (Romans 15:17-18) Though we may take pride in things we have done, we still need to guard against focusing too much on ourselves.
Note the focus of some as stated in Habakkuk where we read. . .
“(11) Then they sweep by like the wind and go on, guilty men, whose own might is their god!” (Habakkuk 1:11 ESV)
Such marked the arrogance of some of the nations that rose up against Israel. However, it is also something to consider personally. Have we at times become guilty of trusting more in our own ability and strength while leaving God out of the picture? It can be easier to idolize ourselves than we might think or want to admit! Having a “can do” attitude may be considered a positive attribute and serve as a powerful motivator to press on even with difficult tasks, but we must always maintain a sense of our need for God’s power, strength and wisdom.
At the end of the book, Habakkuk revealed his own contrasting view where we read. . .
“(19) God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” (Habakkuk 3:19 ESV)
The great distinction is between our own might becoming our god or God being our strength! Let us not get it backwards! Are we adoring our own abilities or adoring the One Who provides and sustains them? Is it “in self I trust” or “in God we trust”? In pride do we boast, “I did it all by myself!” or in humility do we rejoice, “Praise God for the work He has chosen to do in and through my life.”?
In the last chapter of Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he urged. . .
“(10) Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10 ESV)
Paul then went on to list the spiritual armor God has provided for victorious living. It is God’s power, strength, and wisdom that needs to become ours! That way He remains God and we can become most useful for His Divine purposes to His glory and praise! May we live powerfully productive lives by relying on God for his strength to be ours!
Have a great day BEING STRONG IN THE LORD!
Carl
