It would probably surprise you if I said, “A position of true power is found through humility, grace, and a heart of servitude to those around you” You might be offended by the suggestion; however, please indulge me and consider the reasoning herein laid out. A position of emotional and spiritual strength comes first from knowing the truth of the gospel message, relying on those truths, and standing firm in the foundation of those truths. Once we know who God is and understand that everything He does is for our ultimate good; then, we can demonstrate genuine grace and love toward others whom we meet from a place of strength and power. We can forgive outrageous atrocities against our person; because, we know that those atrocities do not alter our position in Christ.
True kindness, love, and forgiveness toward others comes from a position of greater strength. Indeed, my need to defend or retaliate against another is symbolic of my own weakness, frailty and fears. It takes a true act of strength to always approach your spouse from a position of true love, desiring to bring them pleasure. If our relationship becomes about; “What can you do to make me happy?”; then, our relationship is doomed from the beginning. On the Contrary, if my first goal is to be a positive force which considers the emotions and needs of my partner over my own; then, I stand strong and so does the relationship. This cannot be as a manipulation tool in which I demand a certain response to continue to serve you.
EXAMPLE OF POWER IN GIVING
True giving is just that–giving! It is not giving to receive something in return; nor, to gain control. Genuine giving, forgiving, and love are an outpouring of the heart; not, a means to an end. Example is: “When I choose to give a gift of money to anyone, I cannot then become angry if they use that money foolishly instead of paying off a debt I thought it was ear-tagged for.
A gift is just that- a gift. The minute I require something in return for that gift, it becomes a bargaining chip and not a gift. However, please note; that if the receiver truly values the truth that it was a gift; their own heart of love will increase. They may then in turn honor you in their actions. Ultimately then, you maintain a place of greater emotional power and strength. You will not be adversely affected by the recipient’s response; because, you gave with no expectation beyond giving.
POWER DISPLAYED BY REFLECTING CHRIST TO OTHERS
Our last study demonstrated that we are to do all things things in the name of Christ; remembering, that our every action and word reflect Christ to the world. As His representative, we must remain mindful of what we do or say. The same is true in our marriages and our workplace; as exampled by Paul’s next verse.
COLOSSIANS 3:18-25
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN
Modern society declares that no woman is to accept some foolish old idea that the man is head of the house. Instead, most would say the woman has equal rights to “boss” over everything else. However, the truth is: when a woman determines to rule over the husband or “not to be taken advantage of”, she loses the power in the marriage, rather than gaining power. Division, fighting, fears, and frustration, often lead to divorce; where all power over the situation is gone. On the other hand, a woman who truly knows her own strength in Jesus Christ; can easily gain power to face challenges with grace, kindness and a heart of servitude. There she remains strong.
Our point of strength is displayed through our ability to genuinely serve the other. The strength we have living in us through Jesus Christ gives us the ability to love unconditionally. Because we are secure, confident in who we are; we do not need to be validated by others. That is true strength. True power in every situation is knowing that you stand firmly anchored to a foundation that does not waiver; and, thus you can approach any situation with clarity of mind to listen and see what is around you. Those who see the situation from a victim view; must lash out, which indicates their own weak stance. Shouting and demanding my way, only displays my shattering foundation; not my power.
POWER AND STRENGTH FROM WEAKNESS
Society might try to say that this is foolishness; yet, God has chosen the weak and the foolish to overcome those who think themselves wise without Him or strong in their own strength.
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:23-31
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”Our point of strength is displayed through our ability to genuinely serve the other” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]A person secure in themself are quick to love&forgive That is power[/tweetthis]
[bctt tweet=”Shouting and demanding my way, only displays my shattering foundation; not my power” username=”effiedarlene”]
Picture by permission: http://www.goodsalt.com/search/Kevin_Carden.html
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.