“For me to
live is Christ to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
One’s perspective
is vitally important. Therefore, as we begin this new year, I think that it is
a good time to make sure that our perspective is properly aligned. This is
especially true related to one’s attitude. Take for example the following
story. A shoe salesman was sent to a remote part of the country. When he
arrived, he was dismayed because everyone was barefooted. He wired his company,
“No prospect for sales. People don’t wear shoes here.” Later another salesman
went to the same territory. He too immediately sent word to the home office,
but his telegram read, “Great potential! People don’t wear shoes here!”
Thus, in this
article, I’d like us to consider five facts about the problems we experience in
life, and how maintaining a proper perspective can help us to overcome our
problems and have a proper attitude even through the worst of situations.
First, it is
important to realize that everyone has problems. It can be so easy to see
others whom we admire as having perfect lives without the problems that we deal
with. Yet all people experience problems just the same even if they are
different problems from what we are battling with. People tend to think that
the grass is greener on the other side. We look to people who might have
something that we are missing and think that their lives must be perfect.
However, if you were to talk with those who have the lifestyle that you long
for, they would tell you of the problems that they are struggling with. Often,
the problems that we deal with are not as bad as the problems of those who have
the lifestyle we long for. Regardless, the point is, everyone has problems.
Second, it is
important to realize that our perspective on our problems is usually what
determines whether we succeed or fail. Consider the following differences
between a right and wrong perspective:
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Wrong Perspective
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Right Perspective
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Problems are unsolvable.
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Problems are solvable.
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Problems are permanent.
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Problems are temporary.
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Problems are not normal.
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Problems are a normal part of life.
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Problems make us bitter.
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Problems make us better.
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Problems control us.
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Problems challenge us.
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Problems stop us.
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Problems stretch us.
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The most
common reason that people struggle with the wrong perspective is a matter of
proximity to the issue at hand. Often overcoming our problems and/or gaining a
proper perspective on our problems requires us to take a step back and look at
things from a different angle. This could include asking others for their
perspective on the issue at hand.
Third, it is
important to realize that there is a difference between identifying the problem
and solving the problem. Identifying a problem is most definitely an
important part of problem solving, yet stopping there accomplishes nothing.
Cartoonist Ashleigh Brilliant remarked, “I don’t have any solutions, but I
certainly admire the problem.” Frankly, that is the way a lot of people operate.
It can be very easy for most people to identify problems, especially in other
people's lives whom they tend to be critical of. And for many of us, it can be
easy to identify our own problems. However, finding a solution is a completely
different story! Therefore, if you are trying to help another person with their
problems, please consider possible solutions before informing them of their
problems, this will help their forward progress in overcoming their problems.
Fourth, it is
important to realize that the size of the person often is proportional to the
size of the problem. The greater and more successful a person becomes is
completely indicative of the obstacles that they have had to face in order to
reach that level of success. Or worded another way, the greater the problems,
the greater the opportunity.
There’s a world
of difference between a person who has a big problem and a person who makes a
problem big. It’s said that legal immigrants here in the United States are four
times more likely to become millionaires than native born Americans. The reason
for this seems to be very clear, they have already faced numerous challenges in
just coming to this country: language and cultural differences that they had
from their home country, financial issues, separation from friends and family
members, prejudice issues, and lack of support.
The bottom line
is this, the greater the things that you want to accomplish in life, the
greater the obstacles that you must overcome in achieving these great things.
Scripturally, we can see that those whom God did/does the most through are the
ones who have had to face the largest obstacles.
Lastly, it is
important to realize that responding correctly to our problems often puts us in
a place to accomplish extraordinary things. Joseph was a man whom God had
given an incredible vision for his life. God told him through a vision that one
day Joseph would be a great leader, ruling over his people. Little did Joseph
know that the path to that vision becoming a reality would include being beaten
by his brothers, thrown in a pit, sold as a slave, estranged to be dead by his
beloved parents, younger brother and friends, thrown into prison for a crime he
did not commit, forgotten by those he helped, and left in prison for years. Yet
all of those problems prepared him for a life of extraordinary significance!
Then in a moment, he went from the prison to the palace, seeing the fulfillment
of his God given purpose for life.
So I don’t know
what problems you are currently facing. Yet I know that a proper perspective on
them can make all the difference in the world!
In His service,
Matt
(Portions from John Maxwell, The Difference
Maker)
