I recently watched a body-building competition on a sports channel.  The men walked out on stage looking like chiseled statues made of stone.  They posed and flexed their muscles as judges examined their definition, tone, and body weight.  Though initially impressed with their power, I began to wonder how their strength was utilized.  Think about it, how often will they use their muscle in day-to-day living?  Outside of creating an extraordinary physique, what is the purpose of their power?

     These well-oiled body-builders remind me of Christians who want to appear strong before the spiritual judges, but never really use their strength for any real cause or purpose.  Too often we flex our religious muscles in an attempt to gain the applause of those who judge us.  We work out, we sweat, and we dedicate our lives for the recognition and acknowledgment of others.  Like well-oiled performers on a stage we prance around hoping someone will identify our effort.  

     What we need are some men and women who are strong in the Lord and the power of His might –some believers who not only hearers but doers of His Word.  Instead of prancing around on stage or standing in judgment of those who are, we should seek to operate in the power of His strength.