In the world, strength is often built up to gain power and control. People build political strength to enact laws that benefit their causes, financial strength to afford the things they want, and physical strength to overcome any opponent to their will. But the renewed mind is not this way.
Spiritual strength comes from becoming more like Christ. Jesus, being the God of the universe, Almighty, Creator of the world, the One to whom every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord, did not use His strength to condemn all the weak people around Him. Instead, He took upon Himself the reproach that we deserved.
The renewed mind follows Christ’s example. Spiritual strength is not shown by lording it over others. It is not about demanding our own way. Spiritual strength is shown when we endure with and for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Not excusing sin, but patiently bearing with our maturing brothers and sisters.
We endure with our brothers and sisters because they are growing in Christ. We remember that we were once like them. Just as Christ has been patient with us in our growth, so we are patient with those who are learning about Christ.
We endure for our brothers and sisters because they can learn patience and humility as we bear with them. And we, in turn, grow in the likeness and humility of Christ.
Paul reminds us that the Scriptures were written for our instruction, so that through endurance and encouragement we might have hope (Romans 15:4). We do not learn this patience merely by watching one another. We learn it from the Word of God, which directs us to Christ, and from the God who gives endurance and encouragement.
The goal is our mutual growth, so that with one voice we may glorify Him who did not use His strength as an excuse to condemn us all, but who, through that strength, endured for us all.
-steve