Christian Pitfalls: Manpower

I can of Myself do nothing.

John 5:30 (NKJV)

I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow.

Psalm 144:4 (NKJV)

King Asa of Judah was a good king, who ended badly.* At the beginning of the good king’s reign, He faced 'An army of a million men' (2 Chronicles 14:9). God’s people were hopelessly outnumbered.

  • 'Asa cried out to the Lord his God, and said, 'Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your Name we go against this multitude' ' (2 Chronicles 14:11). 

God showed up. Judah and its king prospered--until Asa tripped on manpower’s pit.

David was a great king, who ended well! But he did make one other big mistake (besides Bathsheba).** He took a census and numbered his men– to ponder how POWERFUL he’d become. Although the beloved king repented, Israel suffered a tough consequence.

Here’s the thing:

Pride is the foundation of manpower, and pride’s phony facade ALWAYS crumbles. If godly men can trip, we can trip, too!

Depending on strength (our own or others) is a timeless trap.

  • 'There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death' (Proverbs 14:12).

  • 'For the help of man is useless' (Psalm 60:11, Psalm 108:12).

Satan shrewdly disguises this pitfall as “wisdom”, “common sense”, and “manly might.” Millennia later, leaders still fall… as they huff, puff, and showcase their muscle.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

When we humble ourselves at our King’s Feet,

  • ‘We are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us’ (Romans 8:37), ‘Who strengthens us’ (Philippians 4:13)...

  • 'For power is perfected in weakness' (1 Corinthians 12:9).

Therefore,

Don't trust manpower. DO trust God-power.

  • King Asa knew, got confused, and forgot.

  • King David knew, forgot, and remembered::

'Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the Name of the Lord our God' (Psalm 20:7).

Christian Pitfalls: Manpower (Part 31)

* King Asa's Mistake: http://www.bible.ca/ef/expository-1-kings-15-9-24.htm

** King David's 2nd big mistake: http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/faq/davidcensus.shtml

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban