A Perspective on Problems

Centuries pass, clothing styles morph, languages evolve, but the heart of mankind remains the same.  We face the same fears, aspire towards the same dreams, and are marred by the same failures.  We wonder in our minds if we will ever achieve our dreams or we will ever be able to rise above the tides or if we are merely treading water, awaiting the final tsunami.  While the face and motivators of problems will inevitably vary from person to person, era to era, the fact that we all will face trials is axiomatic, a quiet certainty we all face.

I, in no way, am above trials nor have I achieved victory over my own tempests.  But though I face (and admittedly am overcome by)  the maelstroms of life just as you do, I have some simple advice that I hope will in some way help you keep your footing during the next high tide.  It will only take a moment of your time (AMOYT)

::Forgive the alliteration, I sometimes use it as a mnemonic device to assist my ever failing memory::

Firstly, the causations of many of our frustrations,

1. Lived Cannily (Selfishly)
   1. allowed  selfish desires to override what we know to be right.
   2. succumbed to the lust of the flesh
   3. lived by a utilitarian or hedonistic philosophy, and avoided anything that may cause pain or hurt. 
2. Lived Cowardly
   1. never trusted God
   2. never took a chance (not to be confused with reckless behavior)
   3. never pursued a dream
3. Lived Carelessly
   1. Never took responsibility
   2. Took high risk, selfish chances that offered little reward.
   3. Did not pray and seek the advice of wise council.
4. Lived Comatosely (slothfully)
   1. Saw chances but refused to take them due to work involved.
   2. Pawned off work to others that was meant for you
   3. Never finished or completed things you started due to hardships along the way.

What one thread interweaves all of the aforementioned?  They all cause you to miss out on the blessings that God had in store for you.  The above are all mistakes I have personally made and just as the good book says you reap what you sow.  So, how can one avoid the above pitfalls?  Here is some pragmatic advice that I hope will assist you…

1. Live Sacrificially
   1. Give to those in need, even if it means you can’t get that new iPod or iPhone.  Intrinsic fulfillment is much longer lasting that material gain. 
   2. Your time is also a gift, just as your treasures are.  Give up your time to those in need.
2. Live Strongly
   1. Just like the Lance Armstrong bracelet says.
   2. Trust God when he tells you that if you seek the Kingdom out first, he will take care of your needs. (Matthew)
   3. Trust God when he tells you he will never leave your or forsake you.  (Hebrews)
3. Live Sensibly
   1. Seek out advice from God and also from wise council
   2. Ask yourself if you are putting God first, or a selfish desire.
   3. You are but a steward of your time and treasure, ask God how he wants you to use it.  Just because it is a good cause doesn’t mean it is God’s cause.
4. Live Seriously
   1. Use an index card or some other means to plot out your day.
   2. Live each day on purpose, set small goals.
   3. Work hard, don’t be lazy. 

Again, I am by no means saying I am able to follow all of the above advice every day of my life.  I am not perfect.  What I can tell you, however, is that the days I have followed the above advice have been by far and away the absolute best, most joy filled days of my life.  May Christ bless you richly as you traverse this rocky landscape we refer to as life. 

-dc-