week 6 smmbc - weak things become strong

1. Read Ether 12:27.Links to an external site.
1. Consider this phrase: "I give unto men weakness that they may be humble." Note carefully what the Lord says is the reason we are given weaknesses.
2. Now consider this phrase: "If they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Ask yourself, "Does this say that the Lord will always strengthen our weaknesses? Or does it say that weak things will become strong unto us? What might be the difference between turning a weakness into a strength, and having a weakness—as it is, unchanged—become strong unto us?"
2. Now read JSH 1:23.Links to an external site.
1. Consider how Joseph Smith describes himself in this verse (and verse 22): "obscure boy" "of no consequence." Why do you think the Lord chose Joseph Smith as the prophet of the restoration? In what way was Joseph Smith a "weak thing?" In what way did being a "weak thing" become a strength to Joseph? In what ways has Joseph Smith—a "weak thing"— become a strength unto you? Unto the world?
3. Now read 1 Corinthians 1:27Links to an external site..
1. Does this passage shed any light on the purpose of weak things?
2. Consider this phrase: "God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty."
3. Have you ever considered that certain weaknesses— because they are weaknesses—have helped make you strong?
4. And finally, does this mean that weaknesses are bad and meant to be strengthened? Or is there another purpose for "the weak things" in your life?

I believe that the weak things become strong through Christ.  I am reminded of the example of how a string alone is weak, but when joined with other strings they become stronger. We are commanded to gather and minister to each other to help each other to become stronger. 

When we humble ourselves as Joseph Smith did, we become teachable and God can mold us into the person He wants us to become. We become strong because of our weakness when God is able to work through us. Joseph saw himself as a boy of "no consequence" and God chose him over someone else who thought they were "all that". This teaches me that pride is not an attribute of God. He wants us to glory Him and recognize His hand in our lives. Joseph was a great example of this, even as he accomplished so much in Kirtland and Nauvoo and the saints were thriving there, Joseph did not become prideful, but always gave God His glory and sought His will in all matters. 

I don't think 1 Corinthians 1:27 is telling us to be foolish and weak, I think it means that we need to be teachable and humble so that others will learn through our example. Missionaries are confounding the mighty everyday as they teach God's way to those who think they know a better way.

In my GS101 class this week we have studied the same thing. Our assignment was to ask those close to us what our main strengths and weaknesses were. This was a tough assignment for me because I don't like to spend a lot of time introspecting. Also, no one dared to tell me what they thought my weaknesses were... But my sisters did say that my biggest weakness was that I put other's needs before my own. Which doesn't really sound lie a weakness until I try to define who "Dawnelle" is. Which I try not to do. When all you think about is yourself, you tend to be more selfish and have certain expectations. This can lead to depression and anxiety. I don't believe Jesus ever thought about His own needs and I want to be like him. So I think in this case, my weakness is a strength.