Weakness Is the Way by J.I. Packer (Review)
After reading J.I. Packer’s highly esteemed, Knowing God, I perhaps had too high of expectations for Weakness Is the Way. Though it was clear from the length of the book that it would not be an in-depth analysis, I had hoped for a deeper analysis of Packer’s thesis. As is, Weakness is still an insightful and worthwhile book.
Here are some points to consider from Packer’s book:
Strength is physical, moral, and relational. Strong people can be strong in action, demonstrate virtue, and lead people. There are endless examples in the Bible of people being strong (see Joshua: “be strong and courageous”). Yet there are even more examples of people in the Bible being weak, culminating with the teaching that the “weak will be made strong” and “the last will be first.” We need to be aware of our shortcomings, like Paul: “when I am weak, then I am strong [drawing from God’s strength].”
When following Jesus, Paul describes a transformation—a changed perception of no longer seeing things in purely physical terms and how we fit into or stack up societally. Christ makes the old pass away and calls for a new way of existing. Paul learned the need to cease viewing human approval as important in any way. Packer’s comment made me think of John Mulaney and his bit about running for Mayor of Nothing. It is an easy thing to shape our words and actions like someone running for office and seeking the approval of everyone we encounter. Paul argues that this approach should change as we mature in Christ.
The prosperity and mindset of modern America highlights only strength and minimizes weakness. Our daily experiences teach us to find our inner strength and hide our weaknesses. Wealth is one way this happens; possessions become sources of reliance. Wealth also provides security, possessions, status, and influence.
Packer addresses what to do when our work allows money to accumulate. “Jesus and Paul give the same answer: use the money not for yourself but for God and God’s people. Use it to spread God’s kingdom; use it to help persons in need. See yourself as manager, steward, and trustee of God’s funds…totally accountable to God.”
Spiritual disciplines do not come naturally; they take practice. They are habits of thought and behavior that need practice to pursue perfection. These virtues—habits like study, meditation, prayer, and service—are the virtues that Christ models and teaches.
Packer notes that hope too often fades in people as they age, when the things they have set out to do have either been done or not. Yet David instructs both hope and a purpose in old age from Psalm 71:18: “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”
I took fewer notes from Weakness Is the Way than many books I read, in part because I think Paul states the matter clearly in his writing. Yet Packer’s devotional book still expounds on important points that are particularly relevant in strength-oriented and independent-focused America. Packer focuses on placing dependence on Jesus as the only source of reliable strength. This mindset is not defeatist but a place of comfort and contentedness—a point Packer makes well. Anyone who is exploring Christianity will find this book worthwhile, and the content is important for Christians at all walks of life. But Weakness Is the Way is a briefer and more surface-oriented book, and readers should be aware before selecting it.
