Living in Increase (Part 10) - Increase in AwarenessSample

Discover Yourself

Socrates said, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” I believe this to be true. Part of knowing yourself is understanding your strengths and weaknesses. An article I read recently stated:

Our strengths are where we naturally excel and our weaknesses are the things we have to work on in order to be good at. Knowing your strengths allows you to succeed where things come easy to you, and knowing your weaknesses will show you what areas you have room for improvement in. It’s good to have both. If you only have strengths, you have no better self to work towards becoming. (“Why It’s Good to Know…”)

God didn’t make us to be great at everything because He created us to work hard and persevere. This builds character and keeps us relying on Him. He also made each of us with different talents so that we learn to work together.

Here’s a hypothetical: Have you ever attempted to do something that you weren’t very good at? Like hula-hooping, for instance. You try and try for hours but can’t keep it above your hips for more than a few seconds. Have you ever looked over at your friend who picked up the hula-hoop for the first time, and they got it right away? You watch as they keep it going for five minutes straight! It is enough to get you frustrated and jealous. However, you may learn to play instruments quickly and well while that same hula-hoop champion friend can barely play Hot Cross Buns on a recorder.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. They make us who we are—who God created us to be. Discovering those strengths and talents will help you find a sense of accomplishment, but knowing your weaknesses will motivate you to learn, stretch, and grow.

Monica Barnes

Action Step: Write out your strengths and weaknesses.