A Very "Powerful" Verse

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)

A word for power is used three times in this short verse. This is what we call a very powerful verse! A quarter of the words are synonyms for power. The first is a command for us to be strong. The understood subject of a command is “you.” Therefore, it is a call for us personally to be strong. Christianity is not passive! It is indeed a dynamic relationship with God, Satan, and our fellow man.

However, the other two uses of power belong to the “Lord.” That’s right. Even though you have been commanded to be strong, God’s power is greater and at work in a much more prevalent degree. In fact, the verse doesn’t just say God is strong. It matches our “strength” and raises, the bar to “might.” It is true that we must be actively strong; but we must, at the same time, realize and rely on the stronger, more prevalent might of the Lord to see us through. In fact, upon closer inspection, we notice that our active and dynamic strength is “in the Lord.” “With man nothing is possible, but with God all things are possible.” “Praise be to God through Whom all blessings flow.” “You are my rock and fortress…” (Matthew 19:26; Psalm 18:2)

So, is Christianity active or passive? Maybe both. Some people scream and shout about all the things you have to do. Others are equally passionate about letting God have complete control over your life. I believe both are on the right track. We are commanded to be actively, dynamically strong. But we must make sure that we keep God Almighty on the throne. If not, we try to overthrow the Kingdom of God by our own might. However, in refusing God’s strength, we find that we have none.