Is your strength your weakness? (81-2)
Every leader needs to “self-evaluate” leadership strengths and weaknesses on a regular basis. A single unguarded weakness can destroy everything that a leader has built. Read Judges 13:3-5, 14:2, 14:6 & 19, and chapter 16.
Samson was special. Before he was even conceived, an angel of the Lord set the stage for his life. Samson was a Nazirite, one set apart for God. God had selected Samson to lead Israel against the Philistines, and his valiant, single-handed battles with Philistine troops attested to his personal bravery and the presence of God’s blessing on his life.
But Samson’s superhuman strength wasn’t an inherited trait. It was a gift from God. “The spirit of the Lord came upon him in power.” Just as with everyone reading this material, Samson may have worked to maintain his strength but the original gift came from God.
In spite of all that Samson had going for him, he had a fatal flaw. The first words we see recorded from Samson, spoken to his parents reveal his problem: “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife” (14:2).
Samson’s parents responded with shock and disapproval. Samson refused their efforts to persuade him to reconsider his choice. This episode and several other recorded liaisons reveal Samson’s problem with lust. Samson’s weakness eventually prompted Samson to compromise his commitment to God. Without the presence of God’s spirit and power, the Philistines easily overpowered Samson. Not only Samson but Samson’s God became a laughingstock to the enemy.
Leaders can learn from Samson’s example the importance of identifying personal weaknesses. Effective godly leaders go back to the basics and focus on the truth that their personal talents and their strategic opportunities all come from the blessing of God. They take focus off self and utilize the gifts and power they have received to glorify God.
Every leader has many weaknesses but if you had to choose just one that seems most likely to damage your ability and right to lead, what would that weakness be? Write a short prayer, that you will pray all this week, asking God to reveal when you are being tempted in this area so you don’t just react, to give you the power to stand against the temptation to give in against this weakness.
