True Value

While our strengths and abilities make us useful, it is our weaknesses that make us usable. Our failures and shortcomings can serve to keep us dependent on God - and that is when real power and victory are seen. His strength is perfected in my weakness.

Godliness

Godliness - or Christianity - cannot be merely a claim that we make. Rather it must be a reality that we live. And that reality must be the true motive behind our actions every day. Without it, godliness isn't true.

Not Submitted

Anyone who isn't fully submitted to God will end up doing whatever seems right at the time. This tendency exists in all of us. (It is part of our sin nature.)

Strength & Weakness

Contrary to popular opinion, great strength in one area of our lives does not make up for great weakness in another areas of our lives. Consider that a great leader doesn't necessarily make a great father.

The thing is though, that God can use a person of great faith despite his or her weaknesses, mistakes and past failures. So what can make up for great weakness in other areas of our lives is God!

Power & People

People who desire (and get) power always far outnumber those who are able to use power wisely when they have it. Similarly, people who desire (and get) money or other material resources always far outnumber those who are good stewards of it.

Want proof? Power and wealth both have a way of taking over and controlling the person who possesses either of them. This is especially true, for example, in cases of inherited wealth or inherited power.

Sin's Impact

All sin harms us and it harms others. In fact, it is impossible to sin and only have it be about us. But all sin is ultimately against God Himself. Sin disregards God's commands and His authority over us. The Bible tells us that sin "grieves the Holy Spirit." Even God suffers from my sin.

God First

If God is truly first in your life, He will affect every dimension of your life. Notice that this goes well beyond what you do in church. In fact, it goes well beyond who you are in church. But - it is often only after we begin to really obey God and allow Him to have this affect that we find the strength, courage and resources to live our lives His way.