DO NOT LET YOUR STRENGTH BECOME YOUR WEAKNESS

GOD-FEARING King Uzziah of ancient Jerusalem was a brilliant military commander. With Jehovah's help, he defeated his enemies on after the other. "Consequently [Uzziah's] fame went out to a great distance, for he was helped wonderfully until he was strong." But then "his heart became haughty . . . sothat he acted unfaithfully against Jehovah his God." Because of Uzziah's haughtiness he was struck by leprosy.- 2 Chronicles 26:15-21; Proverbs 16:18.

These two accounts teach us that strengths when not balanced by wisdom, modesty and humility, can easily become weaknesses or liabilities. This is sobering, for in one way or another, every one of us has certain strengths, or gifts, and we want these to be an asset and a source of joy to ourselves and others, especially to our Creator. Indeed, we ought to put to full use any gift of God we may but at the same time regulate it so that it remains a valuable asset.

For example, a person who loves his work could easily turn this gift into a weakness by becoming a workaholic. A cautious person may not easily be fooled, or deceived, but he may be cautious to the point of never making decisions. Efficiency too is a fine quality, but if taken to extremes, so that it ignores the human element,the result may be a cold, rigid environment that breeds unhappiness. So take a moment to reflect on your own strengths. Do you manage them well? Are they a blessing to others? Above all, do you use them to honor Jehovah, the Source of "every good gift"? (James 1:17) To that end, let us take a closer look at a few other examples of strengths that could develop into weaknesses, even liabilities, if left unchecked.

Next time: Use Mental Abilities Wisely

Watchtower, 1999