Are any of you major board game people like I am? Now, I'm not talking about “Candy Land” or the “Sorry” game. Not a mambo jambo game based on chance that’s over in 10 minutes. I’m talking about the longest game of Monopoly you’ve ever played or a strategy-filled game of Settlers of Catan. The games that take time and involve strategically outsmarting your opponents? That’s the kind of game I want to play. Maybe it's just because I am a guy and there are some of those building and conquering instincts in the fabric of my DNA, but I absolutely love the games where you conquer land or territories. In all these games, finding vulnerabilities in your opponent's defense is the name of the game. Sneak attacking, maneuvering, and positioning yourself in such a way that their vulnerabilities are exposed helps you win the night.
Now, what I find joy in, in board games, does not necessarily translate to the real world, but I believe there are some parallels to be drawn.
The Lord has placed on my heart the need for real vulnerability within the Church, and I mean the big "C" Church, not necessarily just Grace Community Church. I think this is one area that can be hard for Christians and humanity in general. Because of the sinful nature that is within us, there have been moments where individuals have weaponized someone's vulnerabilities or taken advantage of a vulnerable place in their life, and that can cause pain that rocks people to their core! This can cause us to throw up walls around our lives, where vulnerability is never allowed to show its face again.
Another danger that the Church faces is a “holier than thou” culture that never allows someone to be real with the mistakes and difficulties they might be currently facing. If the expectation is “I’m perfect, so you have to be too,” vulnerability will never safely be a part of normal routines within that community.
James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." I have personally experienced the power of this verse and the value of being vulnerable with your community. Whenever we hold our cards close to our chest or struggle in silence, it's almost as if we’re fighting two battles: one against the struggle itself, and the other being the human need for community. Life only gets harder.
We were created to be honest and vulnerable with God and with others. Jesus modeled it in His flesh as He was approaching the day He would be hung on the cross. He cried out to God and was vulnerable to the fact that His flesh did not want to endure the pain. He didn't bottle it up, push it down, put a smile on His face, and tell the disciples, “Life is good.” He begged the disciples to come and pray with Him, for He was “grieved to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).
Vulnerability, I believe, is a spiritual discipline that requires more attention than we realize. Vulnerability does not just happen by chance. It takes intentionality. On a spiritual level, it takes the constant removal of pride and the laying of everything at the feet of Jesus through prayer and petition. The more we do this, the easier it gets, as is the case with any discipline.
Now I am going to say something that is somewhat difficult. Vulnerability in a community where it is not present starts with you. If you look around and think, “I have nowhere to be vulnerable,” or, “Nobody seems to be honest with their struggles,” there is a strong possibility that God wants a culture and community of vulnerability to start with you. You just might be the needed vessel God wants to use. One thing I have learned in communities of vulnerability is that it gets easier and easier the more people around you are doing it. So if it is not happening around you, I’ll say this: it starts with you. Almost every time I haven't wanted to share the darkest parts of my testimony or be honest about my current struggles in life, but in obedience, I share anyway, the Lord has blessed those moments immensely. It’s worth it. Be vulnerable.
Where do you need to be more vulnerable? For your own sake, for others' sake, and for the kingdom's sake?
Peace and Blessings,
Bryant Hart