Vulnerability

Philippians 3:12-13

Remember these words from yesterday?

“I have not arrived . . . I forget what is behind . . . I move on to what is ahead.”

Over the next few days, I want to examine each part of this statement from the pen of the apostle Paul. The first part offers an important characteristic for us as believers: vulnerability.

“I have not arrived” is a concept Paul mentions no less than three times in Philippians 3:12–13. See if you can locate each occurrence of the idea:

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 3:12–13)

How refreshing! Here is this brilliant, competent, gifted, strong leader who freely declares, “I don’t have everything wired,” Vulnerability includes more than this, however. Vulnerability means being willing to express personal needs, admitting one’s limitations or failures, having a teachable spirit, and especially being reluctant to appear the expert, the answer person, the final voice of authority.

Not only are these traits refreshing—they’re rare!

If you’re the type of woman who always has to come out right . . . if you’re a man who has the need to be “perfect,” then you will always be in the position of having something to prove. And others around you will have to do the same.

If you always have to be right or "perfect," you'll always have something to prove—as will those around you.

Charles R. Swindoll Tweet This

Taken from Improving Your Serve by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1981 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of Thomas Nelson. www.thomasnelson.com

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Accuracy, clarity, and practicality all describe the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles R. Swindoll. Chuck is the chairman of the board at Insight for Living and the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. Chuck also serves as the senior pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, where he is able to do what he loves most—teach the Bible to willing hearts. His focus on practical Bible application has been heard on the Insight for Living radio broadcast since 1979.