Strengths & Weaknesses

In books like StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath, we are able to identify our God given strengths in order to capitalize on them. I am a huge fan, because so many books are about fixing your weaknesses, that I think it is great when we not only focus on our strengths, but embrace that God gave us all gifts for us to use and we should be very grateful.

That said, I was reminded of my top 5 strengths recently. Not one of my top 5 strengths is relationships based. Most of you are probably familiar with the horizontal axis from math class. All personality type tests use the thought that on one side of the horizon is relationship oriented and to the other side of that axis is task-oriented people. I’ve taken many of these professional development type of assessments and I have always scored very, very task oriented, but this was the first one that told me I had zero relationship strengths. While in some ways, it made sense, to be honest, I do struggle in relationships I have to stick close to God to see discern if I am being loving, maintaining good boundaries, and showing proper respect.

It got me to thinking. The greatest commandment is to love, so wouldn’t it make sense that God would put relational strengths in each of us?

Yes, my relational strength could be number 6 on the list, and this book doesn’t define or limit God. In addition, I do tend to show my love by doing things for those I love, thus showing love. However, just follow my thought here…

Here’s the logic:

The greatest commandment is love.

God doesn’t make mistakes. Thus, task-oriented people aren’t a mistake.

Like all people with weaknesses, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, 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. 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.

In other words, it's not about us! There is certainly a place to understand your strengths and weaknesses…. But in the end, as a vessel being used by God, you need not worry or concern yourself with the details, God knows you and what you can do. Even better, He knows what He can do through you.

God Bless