Strength is a very important characteristic nowadays.  What does it mean to be strong?  The dictionary defines strength as:  the quality or state of being physically strong, the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force, or the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way.  The characteristic of being strong is probably more defined by the last two definitions than the first.  Sure, there are those who want to be able to pick up a boulder and throw it, but not many.  Most people want to be determined, effective and resistant to forces that try to move them in directions they don’t want to go.  How does this strength play out in the life of a follower of Jesus or does it?

“She dresses herself with strength…” Proverbs 31:17a

Let’s think about how our culture would translate that verse.  Our culture puts great stock in a strong woman who knows her own mind and isn’t afraid to speak it.  You may hear things said like, “you’re stronger than that” or “you don’t have to put up with that” or “push on and just do it”.  These are statements which represent our culture’s affection for self.  This type of strength is a selfish pursuit of wants.  So when the world interprets this verse they see it as saying, “she prepares herself each day to succeed and accomplish what she wants to do.”  It is a very selfish interpretation and is certainly not what the verse means.  What does it mean for a follower of Christ to dress herself with strength?

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  Philippians 1:21

According to this verse we, as followers of Christ, are living as Christ in this world.  If we are living as Christ, what does His strength look like?

1. Jesus said of Himself, “…the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28  Serving is a sign of strength.  When we serve others it’s not about what we want or what we can accomplish.  It is about others and their interests and needs.  It is about putting others before you.  Easy?  Not always.  It takes strength of character to serve.  That strength is not part of our DNA, but when we are followers of Jesus we have the Spirit within and share in His DNA to serve.
2. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23  Jesus displayed strength in his ability to trust God in the most painful circumstance of the cross.  He didn’t flex His muscles or call out for relief and tell others how wrong they were.  He trusted His Father, God.  True strength is trusting God in the hard times even if they don’t change.  No pushing to get our own way but in trusting God to know what is best for us even in pain.
3. “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross…” Hebrews 12:2a The strength of Jesus shows up in His ability to look beyond the circumstance of the cross to eternity.  The joy before Him was the promise of a future reward waiting for Him.  This reward was a seat at the right hand of the Father.  As followers of Christ, we are also part of that reward.  He was looking to the results of his suffering on the cross, reconciliation between God and man.  He had the strength to suffer because of the joy of the outcome.  As followers of Christ we have an eternity with Him awaiting us, which gives us the strength to endure today, tomorrow and next year.

So how do we as followers of Christ dress in strength each day?  We serve others, trust God, and look to the future awaiting us.  Our strength doesn’t come in getting our way or experiencing what we perceive to be happiness.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield…”  Psalm 28:7a

Our strength in the Lord may appear as weakness to this world but in reality will look like Jesus.  Are you weak or strong?   Dress yourself today in the strength of character that flows from the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.