For Christians and non-Christians alike, it’s a pretty flawed way of thinking or “bad advice” to adapt to the ways of the world and the culture in which we live, as to believe we can be much better off, be somebody important (either in our own eyes or in the eyes of others) once we get what we want. Be it a better job, more money, material possessions, more friends, the right woman - it's illogical to think that we can be strong as men at the same time.
Whether we’re conscious of it or not, at some stage in our early development we tend to give our lives over to whoever or whatever can help us achieve whatever it is we’ve determined (or what has been determined for us) to be the object of our devotion and provide us with some greater sense of security and fulfillment. As we come to learn more of the truth about ourselves and our own inner poverty, we discover that getting everything we want is nothing more than temporary in terms of having any lasting value or adding any meaningfulness to our lives and that all of our “if only’s” are nothing but illusions.
The striving to be somebody in our own strength or according to the world’s methods leads many people to live out empty lives. Yet for others, there is a spiritual awakening, once they come to the end of themselves and recognize Jesus as Savior and the son of God who died in their place. Giving Him first place helps determine for us what our true priorities are, as by His Spirit we’re enabled more and more to live the life Jesus has himself exchanged for us at the cross.
We’ve learned that true liberty comes with this change in perspective, and that joy, purpose, meaning, and true satisfaction do not come from getting everything we want or by our station in life. True strength comes to us once we learn:
1. I am forgiven. (Hebrews 8:12)
2. God is our friend. (Romans 8:31)
3. God’s strength is available to us at all times. (Psalm 41:6)
4. Jesus lives inside of us through His Spirit. (John 14:16-17)
5. His Grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Jesus offers us a new master vs. our former physical & worldly appetites. Which is a dynamic that our modern 21st century culture refuses to talk about, much less recognize.