There is nothing more appealing than someone who is spiritually strong.
Whether it’s a Biblical hero like Esther or Joseph, or a modern day hero like Billy Graham, there are some things that spiritually strong people tend to do and think. And other things that they don’t do.
The following is a list of 21 actions that spiritually strong people don’t do:
- Allow the past to defeat them
We all have our past. It’s like a weight we can’t shake, a bag we can’t drop. Yet the apostle Paul said it best in Philippians 3:13 “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on…”.
- Be defined by what other People say about them
If you’re on that boat it’s time to get off of it. I love Isaiah 2:22 “Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?”. It’s time to stop letting other people control you with their words.
- Get jealous over the success of others
Paul’s response to other people’s success was joy that Christ’s name was proclaimed. Moses had a similar response when his brothers were caught prophesying. Hey, remember if you’re Christ’s follower you’re on the same team. It’s His kingdom we’re building and his name we’re proclaiming.
- Forget who they are (and whose they are)
Do you know who you are? You are beloved by God, adopted into His family, accepted, forgiven, cleansed, and known by God almighty if you’ve embrace Jesus as your Savior. That makes you unstoppable.
- Focus on the problem
Eyes on the problem will lead you to defeat, despair, worry and discouragement. Lift your head high and look to Jesus and feel the weight roll off your back, my friend.
- Count themselves out too soon
It’s not over until God says it’s over. Until then, carry that sling and keep practicing your shot. You never know when you’ll come against Goliath, and when you do, you might still not feel big enough to face him, but with God on your side, it only takes a small stone to defeat a huge enemy.
- Refuse to admit when they’re wrong
Sin. It’s a miserable part of every Christian’s life. The question isn’t “are you sinning?” but “how quick are you to admit your sin and change?” It’s called repentance and it’s a sign of the spiritually strong.
- Prioritize their plans over people
We can get so goal oriented and accomplished and think we’re making it. But if we’re sacrificing the people in our lives we are far from strong. In God’s eyes people matter far more than the job. Love trumps everything else.
- Hold on to a grudge
If you can’t let go of that grudge, you might want to reevaluate your strength and maybe even your faith. Forgiven people forgive. No matter what’s been done to you. If you’re looking to fly, start by letting go of the weight of that grudge.
- Feel sorry for themselves
Even David who was well acquainted with self-pity understood that in order to be strong and succeed your focus must turn from your own miserable situation to your awesome loving Father. God will use your disappointment and despair for his glory. Just turn it over to him and stop wallowing.
- Remain Ungrateful
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Get used to saying it if you want to get stronger. You have far more than you deserve and all that you need in Christ.
- Demand their rights at all costs
Jesus. The ultimate example of giving up His rights for the sake of the cross. For us. You still think you deserve your rights? How about today you go for denying yourself and carrying that same cross. It will make you stronger.
- Ignore the advice of others
In the multitude of counselors there is wisdom. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice – then heed it.
- Reject help when it’s offered
You’re not stronger simply because you did it alone. Strength is in community. Church is made up of people. Get used to offering help where it’s needed, and accepting it when it’s offered.
- Resist change when it’s called for
Change is good. Peter changed when he met Cornelius (Acts 10) and I’m so glad for it. It took strength for Peter to obey God when tradition and culture demanded otherwise. It will take strength for you to change, but oh so worth it.
- Rush to a Solution without Prayer
Hezekiah, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah, Moses, David, Joseph, Daniel, Esther, Deborah, Paul, Peter, and on and on is the list of those who stopped everything to pray – when they needed a desperate answer.
- Choose their opinion over God’s word
Always always always go with God’s promises when you’re not sure what to do. Don’t trust your gut if it’s contrary to God’s word. Strength comes from God’s promises and don’t you forget it.
- Cave in to their feelings instead of living by faith
Remember Jonah? He gave in to his feelings and ended up in the belly of the whale. Don’t do it. Just don’t.
- Downplay the victories of the past
The past is meant to remind you. God asked the people of Israel to build memorials for a reason. Even strong people forget. Don’t downplay the past. Remember it, review it, and praise God for what He’s down. It will make you stronger.
- Forget about Heaven
This life is not all there is. It’s just the beginning. For a Christian to live without heaven in mind is ridiculous. It’s like a baby living in the womb without thought of his/her birth. Life hasn’t even started yet. There’s more to come. And everything you do here on this earth must be lived with this truth in mind for you to be stronger.
- Quit too soon
Whatever you do, don’t quit. Strong people don’t quit. And when they feel like quitting, the good news is that God will find you in your darkest cave and bring you back into the game.
So. Wanna be spiritually strong? How about starting right now!
(copied with permission)
FEBRUARY 4, 2014 BY LINA ABUJAMRA
http://livingwithpower.org