19/07/2022
TUESDAY, 19TH JULY 2022
CHOOSE TO MAKE YOUSELF STRONG
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” Jude 1:20
Weakness is never an asset in any sphere of life; whether human or animal. In wildlife, what rules is the survival of the fittest; weak animals are always a prey for the strong. The lion is generally regarded as the king of the jungle because of its strength. The book of proverbs tells us “A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any” Proverbs 30:30. In history, strong nations have always ruled the world, but the moment they lost their strength, they lost their place as rulers. Mention could be made of the Babylonians (Iraq) which ruled the world in the days of Nebuchadnezzar; the Medes and the Persians (Iran) who ruled after them, then came the Greeks led by Alexander the great and then the Romans.
But looking at the military might of these nations today, one would find it hard to believe that these ever ruled the world. Hardly is anything ever said about these nations today because the world only has recognition for strength. In speaking of the might of nations today, America and Russia immediately come to mind because of their strength. As it is in the physical, so it is also in the spiritual; the realm of the spirit only has recognition for might and strength. That is why the Bible speaks of gaining and renewal of strength. The book of the prophet Isaiah tells us, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” Isaiah 40:31. And the beautiful thing about the word of God is that it does not only tell us what is available and obtainable; but it also tells us how we can actually appropriate the things available in our lives and this is what the text of study seeks to do.
It says “But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” the very introduction puts the spotlight on the believer, makes him know it is time to assume personal responsibility. It shows that the believer can build up himself; that is to say, make himself strong. We know that weaklings become a prey in the realm of the spirit and always end up as casualties. Why become a victim when you can be the victor? Then the final question to answer is, How does one build up himself? And the answer is right there in the verse, “praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude is not the only one who communicates this truth.
Paul the apostle, also by the Spirit, communicates this same truth thus “He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself…” 1 Corinthians 14:4. The word “edifieth” as used in the text is from the Greek word “oikodomeo” which means to build up or construct into a mighty edifice. So all that God wants us to know by the wonderful texts is that a believer can become as strong as he wants but the responsibility is solely His. One great man of God once said, “If you don’t take up responsibility, you will end up a liability” The time to take up the responsibility is now; make praying in tongues a vital part of your day’s activities: speak in tongues as often as possible and become invincible in the Spirit; be admonished, shalom!
Assignment
With this understanding, spend considerable amount of time and speak in tongues passionately.
