Today's Devotional Thought
February 10, 2012 by Rachel Piferi
Self Insufficient
Aristotle said, "Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient." We are raised to be strong, independent, and self-sufficient. We even have sayings like, "Don't let them see you sweat" because we value appearing strong and presenting strength to others even if we are feeling weak or anxious.
Is this how God intended us to present ourselves to each other? Are we supposed to be self-sufficient, strong, and hide any weaknesses from others?
In Genesis, you see God identifying the very first thing that He ever said was not good. And, that first thing that God saw that was not good was for man to be alone. In Genesis 2, it states, The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (v. 18). God did not want us to live without others. God intended us to support one another.
Paul reports this same theme in his letter to the Galatians where he tells us to bear one another's burdens. Ultimately, we all need to remember that God did not intend us to be self-sufficient. He wants us to rest on Him and He created us to help each other and He calls us to carry each others burdens.
Instead of striving to be self sufficient, why don't you try to embrace being self insufficient. Recognize today that you were not created to be self sufficient, but rather we were created to carry each other's burdens. Be comfortable letting others see you sweat and show others that you are comfortable letting them reveal their anxieties and weaknesses to you. Through this exchange of transparency and support, we will be fully experiencing the law of Christ. And, I have found that there is such joy and fulfillment in relationships when you exchange fears and weakness and support today.
Aristotle was not correct. Happiness does not belong to self sufficient. Happiness actually belongs to the self insufficient.
December