Vulnerability
by Charles R. Swindoll
Philippians 3:12–13
Remember these words from yesterday?
"I have not arrived . . . I forget what is behind . . . I move on to what is ahead."
Over the next few days, I want to examine each part of this statement from the pen of the apostle Paul. The first part offers an important characteristic for us as believers: vulnerability.
"I have not arrived" is a concept Paul mentions no less than three times in Philippians 3:12–13. See if you can locate each occurrence of the idea:
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:12–13)
How refreshing! Here is this brilliant, competent, gifted, strong leader who freely declares, "I don't have everything wired," Vulnerability includes more than this, however. Vulnerability means being willing to express personal needs, admitting one's limitations or failures, having a teachable spirit, and especially being reluctant to appear the expert, the answer person, the final voice of authority.
Not only are these traits refreshing—they're rare!
If you're the type of woman who always has to come out right . . . if you're a man who has the need to be "perfect," then you will always be in the position of having something to prove. And others around you will have to do the same.
Excerpted from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living, Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
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