I remember as a teenager watching Soviet Olympic weightlifter Vasily Alexeev set a new world record lifting over five hundred pounds in the clean and jerk. Reported to have eaten 26 fried eggs and a steak for breakfast before a competition, Vasily set 80 world records and reigned undefeated for eight years. Feats of strength have always attracted people’s attention and admiration. While David’s mighty men were impressive, the Bible’s most famous strongman, Samson, truly brought down the house in his final performance.
Most of us can’t eat 26 eggs at a sitting or lift the equivalent of a female polar bear over our heads, but that doesn’t keep us from flexing our muscles from time to time and taking a little pride in what strength we have. Vasily reportedly wrote that every time he saw himself in the mirror he almost felt like asking himself for an autograph. The strength we boast of isn’t always physical; we may revel in our acumen, accomplishments, or acquisitions.
What does God have to say on the subject? Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Paul wrote the overly-confident Corinthians (in 1 Corinthians 4:7,) “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”
That goes for any special ability that tempts us to brag! Jeremiah 17:5-8 beautifully contrasts one who makes flesh his strength with one who trusts in the Lord, the Giver of every good gift. And while we may impress others with our material conquests, Jesus pointed out quite plainly life isn’t about amassing stuff (Luke 12:15). As for basking in man’s approval and admiration, I love how the psalmist describes the one who has done well for himself and garnered praise of others, “Man in his pomp, yet without understanding, is like the beasts that perish.” (See Psalm 49:16-20.)
I’m not at all suggesting God wants weak sons and daughters—not at all! The Word tells us, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). But the source of our strength makes all the difference! That’s why Paul proclaimed when he was weak (wholly dependent on God in every circumstance) then he was strong. God-sourced strength models humility rather than self-adulation. The mind of Christ means caring about others, not just looking out for #1. And while human strength runs out, God’s supply knows no limit. He gladly gives strength to the weary! Are you running on your own steam and strength of will in some area of your life? If so, switch your power source.
He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power (Isaiah 40:29).
Eggs-ellent, JB! Thank you for these thoughtful reminders.