⁵ It is not that we are competent in^[a] ourselves to claim anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God. (2 Corinthians 3:5 CSB)

Where does your competence lie?

I know a lot of highly competent people. I believe myself to be highly competent. But in what does that competence lie?

Too often, it is within ourselves. We take pride in being able to be given much, to take on much and to accomplish much. We can even begin to be defined by this and this alone. We do not think of competence in a spiritual sense.

But who do you think put that ability in you? Who do you think makes you competent? Who provides that drive, the guidance, the endurance and the perseverance? If you do not readily say God to all of these, then you need to check yourself. Pride is taking over.

I have to really be careful here, because I am writing about something where I am the chief amount sinners. My work life has very much been centered upon my competence in doing a lot of things well. And even in saying that I am being prideful. I am here to tell you flat out, that God has provided my every provision in my work life. It is not me who does things well but Christ working in me.

We need to be humble here and give thanks to the One who creates within us the ability to be highly competent. If I tell you that I do not believe there is anything you can give me that I cannot do, know that I am speaking of what God is able to accomplish through me.