Strengths and Weaknesses

"I'm not about to give up because I heard You say there's gonna be brighter days. There's gonna be brighter days. I won't stop; I'll keep my head up. No, I'm not here to stay. There's gonna be brighter days. There's gonna be brighter days. I just might bend, but I won't break, as long as I can see Your face. When life won't play along and right keeps going wrong and I can't seem to find my way, I know where I am found, so I won't let it drag me down. Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway. I'm gonna move, move! I'm gonna move, move!" MercyMe sings these words in their song "Move." Remember: God is in control. And if He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it! Keep your faith and trust in Him! Don't give up!

The central verse for today is 1 Samuel 17:33, which says, "Saul replied, 'You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth.'" (NIV) Saul focused too much on David's weaknesses, rather than praising his strengths.

As leaders, we must learn to properly work with and address strengths and weaknesses in ourselves and in others. Focusing too much on weaknesses is demoralizing. As relationships form, focus more on enhancing strengths than on addressing weaknesses.

Only after you have formed a firm bond with someone should you begin working on weak areas. Even then, work on only one point at a time, and tread with caution. (Maxwell)

When working with someone in such a manner, I recommend treating it as a mentor-mentee relationship. Guide the individual in a way that he or she can clearly see that you are trying to help him or her. Also, use the opportunity to strengthen rapport with each other. When in doubt, ask God for guidance and follow His direction.

The reflection question asks, "Do you tend to focus on strengths or weaknesses more?" Honestly, I probably see weaknesses before strengths. However, God can help with that. Pray something like this if you are in the same position: "Father, please help me to follow Maxwell's guidance and focus on strengths first, then, carefully, work on weak areas. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen!"

God bless you!