If we are committed to pleasing Christ, we will try to have a good testimony among unbelievers. Some Christians assume that being a good example means keeping up an appearance of strength--even when they are weak. They have the misconception that any appearance of weakness hinders their testimony. Thus begins a subtle slide to spiritual play-acting, or what I call "the big cover-up."

When seeking to have a good testimony, we must ask whether we are trying to represent God or ourselves. And when seeking to be strong, we must ask, "In whose strength--God's or ours?"

According to Paul, the Lord enables us to testify of Him and His strength, not by despising our weakness but by using it, "that no flesh should glory in His presence" (1 Cor. 1:29).

Are unbelievers best won to Christ by "strong" people who pretend they're never weak, or by "weak" people who testify of a strength not their own? Unbelievers often say of the former, "I could never be like that." But of the "weak" people, they more often say, "If Christ can help them, perhaps He has something for me."

Let's honestly admit our weakness and offer it to God for His use.  — Joanie Yoder