But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me. — 2 Corinthians 12:8
Hanging in the Louvre Museum in France is an enormous painting called, “Coronation of Josephine.” This painting represents the royal celebration of the crowning of both Josephine and Napoleon. Adorned in velvet red robes, the ceremony called for Pope Pius VII to crown Napoleon as the emperor of France. However, rumors say that as the Pope held the crown to place it on the head of the new emperor, Napoleon grabbed the crown from the Pope’s hands and crowned himself. It is believed Napoleon did this to show he would not be subservient to the church.
Often in our Christian lives, we take the authority from God and crown ourselves as rulers of our own lives. Instead of putting God on the throne, we enthrone ourselves. Perhaps you report to church once a week, pray before meals, and sometimes sneak in a bedtime prayer before you fall asleep. But is Jesus really the Lord of your life? Do you seek his strength in all you do, or is that an afterthought? Do you make a decision hoping the Lord is taking notes, or do you look to Him first, asking for His guidance?
When you lose your focus on Christ and consider yourself the center of your universe, you are out of order. The stronger you think you are, the weaker you become. Don’t be like Napoleon who pretended he was working with the Pope and then at the last minute, snatched the authority and crowned himself. It is imperative to be a servant of Christ, the greatest servant who ever lived!
As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: we have greater strength when we realize our weakness and rely on Christ.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are ways you crown yourself?
2. How can you make sure Jesus sits on the throne in your life? Why is this essential?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 10:39; Romans 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:15