The Weakest Link

by Ken Seburn

" You are the weakest link .Good bye. " That's how sarcastic, unyielding quiz host Anne Robinson dismisses The Weakest Link . And although the contestants are instructed to work as a team, each person shows very little consideration for the other players. Many people are like that in our fiercely competitive world. So many want to succeed at any cost and those who don't, are dismissed as losers. That's rugged individualism, the survivor mentality. Get all you can for yourself, beat out the other guy.

But if a chain is as strong as its weakest link, wouldn't we want somehow to strengthen the weaker links ? That was most certainly Jesus' way. He said, "Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest. The prophet Isaiah said of him centuries before he came that he would not break a bruised reed nor would he snuff out a smoldering wick. ( Isaiah 42:3) He issued this invitation: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. "(Matthew 11:28-30) And Paul echoed his words in Galatians 6: 2 :"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." He also wrote that , "we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. " (Romans 15:1)

So how is it in your life ? Is God an exacting taskmaster or a loving Saviour who is able to give you grace and strength for each day ? The answer is found in the following verses: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow weary , and young men stumble and fall ; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. " (Isaiah 40: 28-31 ) This promise is for you and me !