Have you watched a bodybuilding contest lately? Have you been a participant in a bodybuilding competition recently? Probably not. But surely, you’ve seen a bodybuilder or at least a picture of one. A scantily clad, oiled up, tanned figure showing off bulging biceps and thighs the size of tree trunks that make them look like comic book superheroes who can crush even the vilest of villains?

We tend to equate those with big muscles with being strong and powerful. But are they really? Do bodybuilders really use those things? New research has found that – at a cellular level – the large, defined muscles seen on bodybuilders don’t fare well against those of power athletes (such as weight lifters or sprinters) or even those who don’t train at all.

Christians can be like bodybuilders. All show and no power. We can flex our muscles, but have no power in our life. Paul tells us that Christ followers have the same power that God used to raise Jesus from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20), that the kingdom of God is not about talk but about power (1 Corinthians 4:20) and that we can have the form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). If we profess to be Christ followers, yet live our lives without tapping into God’s power, we are merely imposters! All show and no power.

So how do we plug into the power that is available to us?

1. Ask

You don’t have because you don’t ask (James 4:2). Where do you need to tap into God’s power? Where do you need to see His strength at work? Ask for it!

2. Seek

Any appliance in your home needs to be plugged into the power outlet to work. If you want power, you must stay plugged into the source. Chase after God with everything you’ve got (Psalm 105:4). Spend time reading the Bible. Pray and listen for God to speak. Get connected to community through church and a small group. Seek God!

3. Give

If God answered everything you’ve been praying for today would it change anyone’s life but yours? There’s a principle that runs through Scripture: give away what you have and it will be given back to you (Luke 6:38). You can stand in the gap for others who need God’s power in their life. Ask God for it. Seek God on their behalf. Give it away!

So go ahead. Don’t just flex. Use the power that God had made available to you!