Pretending is easy, that's why so many people overlook their most powerful asset: their weakness. We tend to classify weaknesses with failures in the 'con' list, but I challenge you to move it across the page. It's definitely a plus. Authenticity, transparency, and genuineness are not necessarily easy, but they are well worth the effort.
Why does pretending come so easy? Because most of us would rather live in denial of our weaknesses. Our own sins are like our 'bums' ... It's easier to notice others' than your own and much easier to excuse your own than another's! Even when we are honest, we would never admit our weaknesses to another person, for fear of rejection. It's natural to feel secure in our secrecy.
The real issue is trust. Can you trust a friend enough not to betray your confidence? Do you trust God enough to work in spite of your secrets?
ADMIT Your Weakness
Facing failure is never easy, but it is necessary for growth. The very thing that leads to Christ-like self-denial is a Christian's self-acceptance. Confession is vital to spiritual development. We must realize that true friends deserve our honesty. Even more, God is looking for those who are truly genuine (John 4:23-24).
EMBRACE Your Weakness
You'll never discover that hidden strength until you embrace your weaknesses. Learn to become thankful for the problems, the regrettable experiences, the raw personality traits, and the grand failures that God has woven into your life. You'll never experience God's grace until you become grateful for them (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
SHARE Your Weakness
God isn't just willing to work in you in spite of your weakness, He longs to work through you because of your weaknesses. Telling others about your weakness or failure is the last thing you might want to share, but it's likely the one thing that could do the most good! Invest your wounds into others to aid in their healing (Isaiah 53:5).
