[338 words]
How do I know if I am strong?
There are numerous ways to measure physical strength. One example of a physical strength test would be the bench press. Each year at the NFL combine players demonstrate how many times they can press 225 pounds.
Fifteen to twenty-five times seems to be about the average window. Justin Ernest of Eastern Kentucky University holds the all-time record with 51 repetitions back in 1999. That is a truly impressive feat of strength! No doubt, Justin is physically strong.
But how do I know if I am spiritually strong?
Likewise, there are numerous ways to measure this type of strength. We will consider here only one example of the many that are mentioned in Scripture.
“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me’” (Romans 15:1-3).
Those who are strong are willing to suffer. Specifically, the strong are willing to suffer for the betterment and good of their fellow Christians and the name of Christ.
The strong in faith are willing to make the choice to endure hardships rather than to inflict hardships.
We all know those who are providers of heartache and discomfort. We also know those who are providers of peace and joy. Of the two, which would we say is strong?
The passage in Romans 15 tells us about an innocent and perfect Jesus who was brutally beaten and then ultimately murdered for our good! And we are called to follow Him!
We are called to be like Jesus and to please others and not ourselves. If it means our hurt but the Lord’s glory, so be it.
Strength of faith is seen in the willingness to put others first and suffer for Christ’s great name.
Am I strong?
Bart Warren
South Green Street church of Christ
Glasgow, KY