We’re moving down the road of life on wheels of the Alphabet Of Christianity.Let’s roll on with letter “I” for INCREASE. Solomon, gifted by God with a superabundance of wisdom from heaven for life on earth, said, “A wise man has great power, and a man of knowlege increases strength….” (Proverbs 24:5) Let’s break it down – it has to do with force, source and course:
Force? Solomon speaks of great power and increased strength. You and I need power for living, don’t we? The synergy of power and strength produces forcefor living. Webster defines force as the exertion of physical, moral or mental strength against resistance. Feeling any resistance today? Greater power for the daily grind and increased strength for daily responsibilities and relationships are not niceties but necessities. Joy in the journey comes from new strength God produces second by second in our inner man, where God works His wonders in us.
Who’s our source? God! God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit exert great power and increased strength through our inner man. His power is unleashed through our faith in action. Jesus is powerful and strong – Apostle Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). Apostle John said, “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.” Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but take heart, I have ovecome the world.” (John 16:33) Our God is…inexhaustible, everpresent and able!
What’s the course? Many powers could defeat us – but a Christian man/woman of power and strength overcomes with the synergy of knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is know how – from God. Wisdom is using know how to honor God, build a life worth living and make a difference here and now. For example, we know how to speak. A wise man speaks to God and builds others up; an unwise man curses God and tears others down to build himself up – at least that’s the illusion that dominates him. There are two kinds of wisdom – one enables you, the other disables you. Give yourself the “Wise Man’s Check-up”. You’ll find it in James 3:13-18.
Great power and increased strength are necessary – no substitutes exist. The Father loves you with an everlasting love, the Son saves you forever, and the Spirit enables you with inexhaustible power. What do you say to that?
I’d love to hear how God has provided “power for living” in your life.
Yours for increased power and strength through Christ, Chuck Brannon