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It occurs to me that this question of vulnerability needs to be considered by Churches as well as individuals. Does the Church to which I belong have an Achilles' heel?
Is there some area of life, ministry and relationships that, if not recognized and strengthened, provides our enemy with a point where we are vulnerable to successful attack?
For example, I know of some churches where the Achilles' heel seems to be finances. In such cases a local church may be so uncertain about God's provision that they - the leaders and/or the congregation - are very cautious and even impoverished when it comes to giving their money away to Kingdom projects.
Another possible point of weakness in a local church could be broken relationships resulting in an attitude of unforgiveness leading to bitterness of spirit. I think about the Churches mentioned in the New Testament. Most of Paul's letters were written to expose, challenge, correct, strengthen and encourage those Churches.
For example, the first letter that Paul wrote to the Corinthians identified the "Achilles' heel" of that Church at that time. It was the absence of love that exposed the Church to attack by the enemy.
My mind races to the seven churches mentioned in Revelation chps 2 & 3. Five of those churches were called to repentance by the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
The church at Ephesus had abandoned its first love for the Lord thus creating an Achilles Heel or point of vulnerability. It sounds like they had great programmes, excellent theology etc. but lack of love.
The church at Laodicea was very proud of its achievements but those very achievements were its downfall. There are few greater indictments (if any) against a church than the picture at the end of Revelation 3 than to see the Lord of the Church standing outside seeking to have access to His own church.
So let's be aware of the needs of our churches and their potential areas of weakness.
But there is one other area of possible vulnerability that I must raise and that is my marriage. But more about that in my next post.
