From Pastor Tom - Vulnerability: A Forgotten Virtue
I don’t know it all just like you don’t know it all. There are limits to our knowledge, ability, and energy. And while the competitive nature of our culture would have us to hide all of our weaknesses in fear, there is tremendous power in becoming vulnerable with people.
Deciding to become vulnerable is risky. Admitting that we have some flaws – is not popular. But let’s be honest – we are human aren’t we? At this point in my life I have never met a perfect human – have you?
Is admitting vulnerability worth the risk? Absolutely! Here are some important reasons why vulnerability is a forgotten virtue…
1. It is emotionally healthy.
Maintaining an image of perfection requires enormous amounts of emotional energy. One of the reasons we sometimes get so stressed out and depressed is because we’re working so hard to stay behind the facade and keep everyone convinced that we’re strong.
If you are constantly worried about your image – you are heading for burnout. Keeping people happy and impressing others is terribly exhausting, and it’s always temporary. Eventually, people will see that you have flaws.
James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (NLT) We need to confess our sins to God to be forgiven, but we also need to talk about our weaknesses with others to find healing.
2. It is spiritually empowering.
James also says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 NLT)
Humility is another virtue that is neglected today. But remember – pride prevents power!
3. It is relationally attractive.
Everybody is wearing a mask and it’s what we expect others to do as well. When we choose to throw our masks away, we surprise people with our authenticity. Being real is the fastest way to endear yourself to others.
We tend to love people who are real, honest, humble, and vulnerable and we tend to despise people who are deceitful, arrogant, and hypocritical. Paul told the Thessalonian believers, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News, but our own lives, too.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT)
When you share your strengths – you create competition. But when you share your weaknesses – you create community. We are all in this together. Strive to be honest and open with others and see what happens.
May God Bless,
Pastor Tom