DAILY BYTEYesterday, we learnt that although an initial reading of the story of Samson reads like a fast-paced 80’s action movie, a more careful reading encourages us to learn from the paradox contained in this story: Samson, the strongest man in the world was actually one of the weakest. Samson’s inner world was puny in comparison with his outer, and this led to his eventual collapse.
The story questions our understandings of what it means to be strong and of what strength truly is. And in this, the story challenges us to carefully consider the rather vital difference between character and giftedness. To consider what we ourselves prize and value, emphasise and work on in our own lives.
By giftedness, I mean talents, what we would normally call our ‘strengths’. Examples would be high IQ, business savvy, good looks, artistic talent, good voice, charisma and athletic ability. These gifts all come from God. The bible says that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. We should be thankful for them when they come our way.
However, in many ways our culture seems to idolise gifts. Giftedness is what gets you famous and onto magazine covers or into movies. Giftedness is what gets you ahead, recognised, noticed. It’s what makes others go ‘wow’!
Like Samson, so many of today’s hero’s are applauded for their giftedness, yet often they don’t seem to have anything of any real, inner substance to offer us.
As we read Samson’s story, we learn a lot about his incredible giftedness. Yet we must never forget that despite these undoubted gifts, Samson’s life was still plunged into turmoil because he did not have enough character (inner strength) to sustain and hold together his gifts.
Gifts are good but they are not the most important part of us!
Spend some time now thinking about your own gifts. Everyone has them – try to make a list of some of them. Ask others to help you if need be. Give thanks to God for them and try to think of ways that you could use your gifts to serve God – remember they have been given to you for a reason!
Also, think about whether or not you confer undue importance onto giftedness? Do you spend a lot of time and energy envying the gifts of others? What does this tell you about yourself?
PRAY AS YOU GO
Lord, we know that you are the giver of all good gifts and talents, and so we give thanks to you for them. We ask that you would help us to appreciate our gifts but not to give undue importance to them. Amen.
FOCUS VERSE
Judges 13:24-25 NIV
The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the LORD blessed him, and the Spirit of the LORD began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
