“So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses
so that Christ’s power can rest
on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9b
(Common English Bible)
Bragging about
our weaknesses is uncommon. What is customary – even encouraged – is that we
“hide” our weaknesses and present the illusion of a life that is lived in a
tranquil manner that is deep and even and unhindered by frailties. One
unfortunate result is the deep disillusionment that is experienced when we find
our heroes far too human, with frailties and weaknesses like our own. We look
for people who seem to have no limitations, no handicaps, no imperfections and
we aspire to be like them. In no small manner, people with weaknesses are not
considered worthy of our admiration and praise.
Naturally, the
danger of finding such a person, a person who is unencumbered by difficulties
and imperfections, is to know someone who also possesses considerable conceit. They
need no one; they require nothing for their journey through life, not even God.
Worse, when understood correctly, their perfection fails to inspire those of us
who struggle with handicaps. Another’s perfection can only result in our
despair. This is why Paul “brags” about his weaknesses – Paul’s interest is
that we praise only God and that we find in his broken, imperfect life reason
for encouragement as we struggle with our own handicaps.
Paul did pray
multiple times that his handicap might be removed. That is a demonstration of
his humanity. It is an honest prayer that we have no doubt prayed ourselves. Yet,
our spiritual condition is developed, positively or negatively, from the place
of our weaknesses. For many, the first and instinctive reaction toward our
limitations is a negative attitude – a rebellion or self-pity. We revolt
against our limitations. Such a negative struggle often advances to cursing
God. What we fail to see is that disappointment with our imperfection arises
from conceit – we expect to be perfect. That is a poor spiritual condition
indeed!
Paul’s positive
and hopeful response to his weaknesses demonstrates that anyone, regardless of
their limitations, can make a spiritual contribution to the world. History is replete with stories of people who
rise up and make great contributions in spite of handicaps. These are the
stories that inspire each of us to push through whatever difficulties hinder us
and advance our lives and the lives of others. Anyone fortunate enough to have
the charm and looks of a prince, excellent physical and mental health and is
untroubled by limitations, fail to inspire those who struggle daily under
limitations. It is not easy to estimate the spiritual stimulus that comes into
human life from handicapped people who have found that Christ’s power is
sufficient for them.
Joy,
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