Enable

I like words. In fact at times words can distract me. Like today during the sermon the pastor said the word "enable".  Now I cannot tell you what the sentence was that he used that word in because I  was distracted by the word itself.  So of course I had to make a note to look up the word when I got home and fortunately I was able to get back into the sermon.

As many know I work as a Christian counselor so when I hear the word "enable" I think negative.  Things like enabling someone in their addiction or behavior or whatever.  I have worked with clients who enable spouses or children or friends and it is never good.  Yet even though I do not remember the sentence the pastor used I do remember the word enable was used in a positive way. Now on to my favorite part of words: looking them up in the dictionary.

ENABLE:

1. to make able;  give power, means, competence, or ability to; authorize

2.to make possible or easy:

3. to make ready; equip

Amazing there does not seem to be anything negative about that word.  Look at the first meaning from the perspective of the Bible.  God gives us the ability to do His work. Competency does not come from us but from God. (1 Cor. 1:18, 1 Cor. 2:5). God enables us.

"Make ready; equip" Hebrews 13:20-21 talks about God equipping (enabling) us for everything. So when we say things like "I am just not equipped for this task" we are wrong because God HAS equipped us, or to use my word of the day, enabled us for everything.

  

So I encourage you all: Be enabled!

Look forward to sharing the next word that distracts me!