The Power of a Strong Man (or woman)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.(Psalm 28:7-8)

I just watched the movie Hercules with my wife and son last evening and could not help bu recall the biblical account of Samson. Maybe you remember learning in church or Sunday School that Samson was strong because of his long hair. However, Samson’s strength wasn’t actually in his hair but in his relationship and commitment to the Lord. When his hair was shaven, it was merely an outward sign of what he had already lost within himself. Samson forfeited his potential to be able to fully use the gifts God had given him. We often do the same. Though God has uniquely gifted us for his purpose, we are unable to live up to our potential because we continually fall victim to our sinful nature. Samson did not fail because of one decision. It was a downward spiral of decision made to please his physical lusts and desires.

In life today, it is not the politician’s final bribe, the public moral failing of the religious leader, the addiction, or the illicit relationship.It is the small things that lead up to the final blow to our character and ultimately our shame.

This principle applies to all relationships. Whether it is our friendships, marriage relationship, or our relationship with God, most Christians don’t wake up one day and decide to throw their relationships away with one simple act. It begins with gossip among friends, flirting with a co-worker, lack of a quiet time with the Lord . . . you get the picture?

Before making what appears to be a harmless decision, stop and count the cost. Success is less about having the right stuff than it is about choosing the right path. Many small choices done God’s way will add up to a lifetime of purpose and a legacy of faith and strength!