Strength In Weakness

Working with others means that you are to develop a team effort to get things done. Every level of work needs this in order to be successful. There are some out there that know this but choose to want to stand out above the crowd and be noticed. You know, the “Look at me” type. When a person becomes obsessed with self-success they lose the team which makes for an unhealthy workplace because all that person wants to see is others faults and covers their own.

When this person only sees the faults and is in a position of leadership, they hang those faults over the subordinates head and the workplace can become very hostile. It is very difficult to stay humble for so long and take the abuse. The Father does not want us to stoop to his or her level but at the same time explain the judgmental attitude that this person has developed. Sometimes it is the hardest thing to do but it must be done. Scriptures tell us to avoid confrontation unless absolutely necessary. So how do you deal with this type of person?

How do we handle a person that only sees the faults in others?

Continue to do the job as prescribed and watch the person’s attitude towards others. Remember this person has been corrupted through his/her own faults and watch for a pattern. When confronted by the person and he/she starts in on you, ask them to stop then tell the person in a kind manner that you know your own faults and you do not need to be reminded of them. Try to get the person to recognize his/her own faults without chiding or being judgmental yourself. Show kindness yet be stern and hold your position. If this persists then take it higher.

It helps to get others in a room and air out things in a way that does not cause harm. Work with each other. Once the laundry is set out to dry, the team can develop a closer relationship and help each other work through their weaknesses, building them up to be strengths.  

Find Strength in Our Weakness

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Strength comes from weakness. This does not mean that we are to point out another’s weakness, instead share a weakness in order to find strength in overcoming it. The Grace of God, which is sufficient for us, is there to help us work through it and strengthen us so our weakness becomes a strength.

Yet still, some people consider these weaknesses as faults and will try to use them against us. If we boast about our weaknesses as Paul did then those weaknesses or faults become where we find strength and can win over the one who tries to extort these faults to their advantage.

Isn’t it funny how God works sometimes. The things that humans find as faults are strengths in God’s eyes. We find joy in suffering, not in a sadistic way but we understand that the suffering is only a temporary thing because God uses the weak and suffering to show His power through us when we still succeed even in our failures. This life gives us the lessons we need to be ready for the next. God’s Grace and Mercy covers us and gives us hope for a future of peace in the next.   

Brothers and Sisters, build up those around you through sharing where you are weakest and watch relationships grow. One thing a healthy relationship is built on encouraging one another to overcome our weaknesses by working through them. We cannot do it alone. I want to encourage and challenge you to opening up more to those who are closest to you so a deeper relationship is built on an understanding of each other and how working together brings strength in adversity. This is another example of God working through us and expanding His Kingdom on earth.

In His Grace and Merciful Loving Arms,

Rob, Servant of God