Matt’s Matters: Listening for a Change

 A pastor met with his church board and requested they approve the purchase of a chandelier for the church sanctuary. The next month when the minutes were read there was no mention of the pastor’s suggestion, so he requested it a second time. The third month, the pastor waited expectantly for a report of action taken, but there was absolutely no word in the minutes of his request. So after the meeting, he went to the chairman of the board and asked for an explanation.

“Well pastor, it was this way,” explained the chairman. “First of all, the secretary of the board didn’t know how to spell the word, and it would have embarrassed him if we had insisted on including it in the minutes. Second, if we got one of those things, we don’t believe there is anyone in the church who knows how to play it. And third, we feel that the thing we really need is better lighting.” :)

James 1:19 NLT says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”

One of the hardest yet most critical things that needs to happen in our nation is the willingness to listen to people. It seems like we as a nation are more divided than ever. Democrats are blaming the Republicans; Republicans are blaming the Democrats and very few are taking responsibility for their actions. Of course, truth be known, this is nothing new. Ever since the Garden of Eden people have been blaming others for their problems and justifying their actions on account of the actions of others. Yet this will not help to move us beyond our current situation. I think that in order for us to move forward in any relationship in which there is conflict has to start with being willing to listen to what others have to say. This does not mean that you are going to agree with them. But it is where things start.

There are 4 keys to listening well. First, give the other person 100% of your attention. That is going to require you to put aside your phone, iPad, or laptop, and look at the speaker, even if they do not look back at you. In an ordinary conversation, a speaker looks at you occasionally to see that you’re still listening. Constant eye contact lets the speaker feel that you are listening. If you don’t look at the person while they’re speaking, you give them the impression that you don’t care what they say. In essence, it appears as though you don’t even care about them. This applies not only for listening to others but also listening to the Lord. So when you are doing devotions, seek to focus 100% of your attention on listening to what He is saying to you through His Word, not thinking about what you are going to do later or day dreaming about this or that.

Second, if you want to listen well to the Lord and to others, I want to encourage you to not interrupt.  This is not easy. It is about listening to understand, not listening to respond. Often times, we listen only long enough to come up with a response. However, when a person listens wholeheartedly simply to understand, it shows that we genuinely care about the other side. 

Third, if you want to listen well to the Lord and to others, I want to encourage you to ask questions. Asking sincere questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the person that you are talking with. Likewise, it can help us to understand what they are talking about. Often times, the reason why people struggle to have unity relates to a lack of understanding.

And this principle applies to your relationship with the Lord as well. “O’ Lord, what do You think about this? Why did You allow this or that to happen? What do You think I should do in this situation or that situation? Then as you begin to seek out His answers in His Word, again, ask Him questions. “God, what is the significance of this account in the Bible or this verse over here? Why did You inspire the earthly author to place it in this order? What are You trying to say to me through all of this?

Likewise, as you listen for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, there is nothing wrong with asking Him clarifying questions. However, if the Lord has already made the matter crystal clear, then there can be an issue with us asking questions at that point. Because then what we are communicating is that we simply do not like what is being said, therefore, we are asking questions hoping for a loop-hole or way out.

That is simply a matter of unbelief or disobedience. There is no sense in that. But there is a lot of sense in asking clarifying questions: both of the Lord and of others. It shows that we are genuinely interested in them, and it shows that we are genuinely interested in the One whom we as Christians have devoted our lives to follow.

One final key about listening is to apply the things that we hear. Both in the New Testament and in the Old Testament, the words that get translated as to listen refer also to obeying.  In obeying the Lord we are blessed with His divine guidance. In applying what other say blesses us with peace and understanding in our relationships. May that be the case with each one of us.

In His service,

Matt

Matt’s Matters: Easter—The Most Significant Historical Event

 “Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19b).

A preacher in Chilhowie, Virginia, was visiting a man who continually refused to go to church. “All right,” the man finally said. “I’ll come to church Easter Sunday if I’m alive.” But he didn’t show up. After the service, the preacher took a lily from the Easter decorations, went to the man’s home, and knocked on the door. When the man came to the door, the preacher held out the lily and said, “Where’s the body?”

Where’s the body, is an important question you and I have to determine the answer for ourselves.  I’m not talking about your mother-in-law (LOL), but about Jesus.

That question of where’s the body is an easy one to answer if you are talking about Jesus’ body, because it is not in the tomb. In Luke chapter 24, we find this Man named Jesus who was dead, but He didn’t stay that way. This portion of the Easter narrative really starts with His crucifixion, death, and burial with a large stone covering His tomb, and soldiers guarding His body so that it would remain there, in the grave.  

Bright and early on that first Easter morning, ladies went to the tomb to finish the embalming process which was started on Friday afternoon. They came not looking for a risen Savior; rather they came looking for a dead body. But when they got there, they found something beyond all their expectations.  They found that the stone had been rolled away and the body was no longer there. Then two angels asked the ladies, “Why do you look for the Living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen."

Verse 11 tells us these ladies ran to tell the eleven disciples, but they refused to believe because their words seemed like nonsense. This was the same picture for two men who were walking to a village called Emmaus talking back and forth about what happened. They were likewise perplexed over the way things had transpired over the past few days. They had expected a Savior who was much different than what Jesus ended up being. They were expecting a political Savior, someone to deliver them from their earthly enemies. Thus, they wanted a military and political type figure, not someone who came to save them from their sins. Therefore, when Jesus died, they lost all hope. They didn't understand that Jesus' death offered the greatest hope possible. However, their minds were made up and spiritually their eyes were closed to the truth.

Throughout our society, people are taught that the Bible is a bunch of fairy tales. That it is impossible for miracles to occur and therefore, Jesus could not possibly have been raised from the dead. Only a child would be that gullible to believe things like that.

Much of our society is just like the two individuals on the road to Emmaus for verse 16 (NASB) says that their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. These guys were so preoccupied with their own thoughts that they couldn’t even tell who was walking and talking with them.

They had seen His great miracles and heard His teaching. Yet they still refused to open their eyes. Their hearts were hardened to the truth. So then Jesus basically said, “Hey guys; wake up. Look at what you’re saying has happened. Look at what the Old Testament stated would happen to the Savior. And then finally after a long period of time, their eyes were finally opened to who Jesus was.

This reminds me of Genesis 2:21 which says that God put man into a deep sleep then He created woman. The only problem is that Scripture never says that God woke the man back up. :)

A person who has honest doubts will do their homework to find out the truth. They will research the topic from both sides before making a decision.  And quite frankly, I encourage you to do the same. Are you sure you know who Jesus really is? I encourage you to openly and honestly examine what is told about this and seek to determine what is true and accurate. This is the most important decision which you will ever make. So do your homework.

Now when we examine the evidence about Jesus what do we find? What evidence do we have about who Jesus is in the passage we just examined?

Exhibit A we find is the empty tomb. All four of the Gospels record this. The tomb is vacant. Furthermore, if you look at what is recorded in Matthew 28:11-15, you will find something very interesting.  There we learn the soldiers who were guarding the tomb reported to the chief priests that it was indeed empty. And then when the chief priests found out, how did they respond? They bribed the guards to say that Jesus’ disciples stole His body while they were asleep. Question, if they were asleep, how did they know who it was that took the body?

Furthermore, let’s consider who these chief priests were that the guards were reporting to. These guys were some of the most powerful people in the entire world at that time. They had all the money, all the man power and all the abilities necessary to conduct the world’s largest manhunt in human history. Think about this, all the chief priests would have had to have done, is found Jesus’ body, displayed it publically, and guess what, no more Christianity. It would be over. Christianity would not exist today. Yet they never even attempted to find His body. Why? Because they knew for a fact that Jesus did rise from the dead, period. He is risen; He is risen indeed! That is exhibit A which a person needs to consider when questioning who Jesus is. The tomb is empty and there was no manhunt to find His body.

Exhibit B is found back in Luke chapter 24, verses 25-27. There we learn about all the prophecies pointing to who Jesus is. One resource which I found listed a meager 313 Old Testament prophecies concerning who this Messiah figure would be, and all of them were perfectly fulfilled in One man named Jesus.

Exhibit C is eye witness accounts. 1 Corinthians 15:6 tells us that Jesus appeared to more than 500 people at one time. Now it is possible to fool 1 or 2 people, but not 500 all at the same time. Plus, He also appeared to various individuals over a 40 day period of time. It wasn’t just a onetime occurrence. Thus, exhibit C, more eye witnesses than you can shake a stick at. 

Exhibit D, transformed lives. Some of the individuals whom Jesus appeared to were adamantly opposed to Christianity. In fact Jesus’ own brother, James, didn’t believe in Him at all prior to seeing his Brother resurrected. Yet, after Jesus appeared to him, he became the leader of the Christian Church in Jerusalem, plus he wrote the book in our Bibles named after himself.

Then we can also look at the life of Saul from Tarsus. Saul persecuted Christians; in fact he was responsible for the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Saul sought out Christians to put them in prison and to kill them. Yet when Jesus appears to him on the road to Damascus, his life was completely and totally changed. And his name was changed from Saul to Paul. Maybe you’ve heard of this guy named Apostle Paul before, the man who became the foremost evangelist and missionary that we read about in much of the New Testament. So Exhibit D is transformed lives.

Exhibit E is Biblical support.  Some say you can’t trust the Bible because it’s loaded with errors. Yet the truth of the matter is that there are over 5,400 collaborating New Testament manuscripts proving its authenticity. And there are 39 non-Christian ancient sources documenting the life of Jesus, listing more than 100 reported facts concerning Jesus’ life, teaching, crucifixion, and resurrection. Think about that, even non-believing historians support what the New Testament says. Thus, God’s Word is reliable, period.

Therefore, I encourage you to examine the evidence with an open mind, allowing the evidence to direct what you believe. And for me, the evidence speaks for itself, Jesus Christ did in fact rise from the dead and He is alive this morning. He is risen; He is risen indeed! He is uncontainable! He is unstoppable! He is the undefeated Savior of the world.

So what difference does it make that Jesus is exactly who He says He is? It means everything! He is the Savior of our past. Sin is a disease beyond human cure. It is incurable like AIDS today but much worse. It’s a cancer which we cannot cure by ourselves. And it’s something which all of us have. Scripture says that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This disease known as sin will eventually bring death. But, because of what happened some 2,000 years ago, as Jesus took the punishment which you and I both deserve on the cross and rose from the dead, we can have assurance of our salvation. We can be guaranteed that our sins are washed away. As far as the east is from the west, so far can He remove all our sin and shame.

He can save you from your present, giving you purpose and direction in life. And He can save you for eternity giving you a hope that stretches beyond the grave. Just like Jesus Himself said, “Because I live, you also will live.” Therefore, I encourage you to experience Jesus, the uncontainable, unstoppable and undefeated Savior of the world.

In His service,

Matt

Elder’s Corner: Baseball and Attitude

 I turned on the radio after church last Sunday and heard the familiar voice of Mike Shannon doing a Cardinal's broadcast.  It sounded so good and reminded me that things are getting back to “normal.”

It also reminded me of my favorite baseball quote:  “Every strike I take is one pitch closer to a home run.” --Babe Ruth.    

Most of life is about how our attitudes effect how we decide to view our purpose for being here.  Why were you born in this generation, in this particular place on the planet?   People born in different places and different periods of time in history have all had to answer that question— “Why am I here?”

When I get a chance to reflect on the “purpose of life”, it always comes back to my relationship with my Creator.  Does God have a purpose for my existence?  You Bet!  And when I'm in tune with allowing His purpose to be my purpose, I'm most content and most at peace.  The world tries to get us into the mentality to think of ourselves first (just think about TV commercials), when God tries to get us to think of others first.  We should be willing to try His advice, after all He thought about us first instead of Himself when He allowed His Son to suffer on our behalf. 

“For you have been called for this very purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.  Who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth, and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously, and he Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness, for by His wounds you were healed” (1 Peter 2:21-24 NASB).  

So when you are lying there on your death bed and asking yourself “Did I make a difference?” I hope you can answer “Yes.”  I also hope you know that every bad circumstance that comes your way means you're one pitch closer to a home run.   

--Alan

Attitude—The Difference Maker #13: The Greatest Obstacle

 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro. 16:18).

Perhaps the biggest obstacle that a person has to be able to overcome in maintaining a positive attitude is dealing with failure. Rick Warren said, “The fear of failure is a universal fear–it is often more detrimental than the failure itself. If you never learn how to disarm it, you’ll miss all that God wants to do in your life.” Now sometimes we don’t always realize the things that we are fearful of. Perhaps some of you don’t think that you have a fear of failure. Thus, I would like you to consider the following questions.

 

1. Do you ever worry about what other people think about you?

2. Do you ever worry about your ability to go after a dream or desire that is in your heart? But maybe you have thought, “I don’t know if I could do that.”

3. Do you ever worry that people will lose interest in you? Maybe it is a spouse, friend, or employer.

4. Do you ever worry that people will think you are not smart or competent? Thus, you need to hide because you don’t want people to think that you are not smart.

5. Do you ever worry about disappointing people whose opinion you value?

6. Have you ever told anybody beforehand that you don’t expect to succeed at something in order to lower their expectations?

7. Do you ever get last minute headaches, stomach aches, or other physical symptoms while preparing for something that you think is important?

8. Do you tend to procrastinate and run out of time when you have to prepare for something?

 

If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then you struggle with the fear of failure. Now, no matter how successful you are in some areas of your life, there are other areas that you fail at. In fact, you fail in more areas of your life than you succeed. And that is true of all of us. No one can be good at everything. We can only be really good at a few things. Thus, most things in life you are not good at. In those areas you are a failure.

So we don’t want others to know about those things. Why? Because most people tend to be very preoccupied with the opinions of others. This is a reality for the majority of us. We worry about what other people, especially those we are closest to or admire the most think. If we don’t measure up in their eyes, then we are a failure.

According to the Bible, none of us measure up in God’s eyes; we are all failures (Rom. 3:10-26). However, that is the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus came to save us from our failures, specifically our sin failures. It is important to note that not every failure is sin, but every sin that we commit is a failure. The Bible says that Jesus came to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). In John 6:40 Jesus says, “For My Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”  Therefore, instead of being preoccupied with the opinions of others, we can focus on Jesus, and His perfect love for us that casts out all our fears, including our fear of failure.

The second key from this scene that can help us to overcome our fear of failure is to accept wise counsel. Often times, our pride prevents us from accepting godly counsel. This was the case with Solomon’s son King Rehoboam.

When Rehoboam became king, the people asked him to lighten the heavy load that his father Solomon had placed them under. At this, Rehoboam did the right thing in seeking out the counsel of others. However, the problem was that he chose to accept the advice of those who told him what he wanted to hear. Thus, he accepted the advice of his friends and rejected the advice of the godly men who had been a part of his father’s cabinet. Then as a result of refusing to accept wise counsel, Rehoboam lost much of his kingdom. This is why it is important to seek out Godly counsel, spend time praying about the matter, examining what Scripture has to say, and then leaving the results in the Lord’s hands.

The third thing that tends to lead people to a fear of failure, again, it is a result of pride. And that is, ignoring the power of prayer. James 4:2 says, “You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.” Anytime we don’t take things to God in prayer, we are naturally setting ourselves up for failure.

The fourth thing that tends to lead people to a fear of failure, again is a result of pride. And that is, depending on one’s own strength. Paul had to learn this the hard way. 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 tells us how Paul suffered great hardships, even to the point that he didn’t know if he was going to survive it. Yet all of that was a learning lesson so that he and those with him would stop relying on themselves and learn to rely only on God, who raises the dead.

Elsewhere Paul talked about the Lord giving him a thorn in the flesh to keep him from becoming conceited. In this, I think that it is interesting to note how Paul was hindered from earthly success by his thorn in the flesh. Yet ultimately, as a result, he would stop depending upon his own strength and instead upon the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. So for Paul, he eventually learned that things are not always as they appear and, according to God’s standard, he was strongest whenever he appeared to be weakest.

Therefore, he said in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  So how does one stop depending upon their own strength and instead depend upon the Lord? It begins by realizing your need for Jesus. You and I need Him at every moment of the day. Scripture tells us that apart from Jesus we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Lastly, if you want to overcome the fear of failure, and even overcome your failures, you need to end the habit of procrastination and quitting before you succeed. Often times we are so close to success. Yet we either procrastinate in the matter or quit right before the breakthrough would have happened. Whenever we procrastinate, or we quit before we achieve the success that we are searching for, we are guaranteed to fail. We could literally talk about tons of people who failed over and over and over again in route to monumental success. People like Thomas Edison who failed 10,000 in trying to create the lightbulb. Or how about General George Washington who lost 2/3 of all the battles that he fought against in the British in the American Revolution.

If he would have quit, we may still be a part of Great Britain today. Or we could talk about Babe Ruth. Did you know that not only did Babe Ruth lead the league in homeruns, but he also lead the league in his number of strike outs. Or how about Michael Jordan who was cut from his high school basketball team, yet he became one of the greatest players to ever play the game. How was that possible? Because Michael Jordan refused to accept failure as an option. He endured through the failures.

Similarly, we could talk about several individuals in the Bible who experienced great failures: Noah, Moses, David, Jeremiah, Paul, etc. Yet they are remembered as successful on account of the Lord’s help, and their determination to not give up. Proverbs 24:16 says it like this. “For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.” And Galatians 6:9 says it like this, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Therefore, knowing these things we can, with God’s help, overcome our fear of failure as we humbly submit to Him.

In His service,

Matt

Attitude—The Difference Maker #12: Problem Solving

 Jesus said, “...In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33)

The Bible speaks of the man named Job as one of the most godly individuals to have ever lived. Yet he experienced a great deal of hardships through life.  He began as a very wealthy man, who was blessed with a big family and was widely honored throughout the land. However, one day a messenger came and told him that his wealth was gone. While he was standing there another messenger came to him and told him that his sons and daughters had all been killed in a storm. Then not long after, his health was taken as well. Meanwhile, instead of comforting him, his friends said that it was all his fault that he was experiencing the suffering that he was. And his wife told him to just curse God and die (probably most people would want to die if they had a spouse and circumstances as he did). So Job said, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1).

It is natural to consider all the struggles and hardships that this life throws at us and naturally have a bad attitude about things!  Job could have very easily had a bad attitude given all that he went through. Yet somehow in spite of all of Job’s loss and suffering, he was able to maintain a proper perspective and an amazing attitude. How was he able to do that?

Job embodied seven principles for problem solving that not only can solve your problems but also help to maintain a good attitude through it all. First, if you are going to overcome the problems of life that come your way, you need to begin with identifying what the problem is. Often, it can be easy to get sidetracked with issues that are not the real problem, rather they are only symptoms of the problem. The symptom might be stress that is beyond what you can bear, but the cause is unrealistic expectations that others have placed on you or that you have placed on yourself. The symptom might be marital strife but the cause is a lack of communication. The symptom might be a lack of money to meet your monthly expenses, but the cause is the desire to live beyond your financial means. This could be the result of not budgeting or a lack of contentment in the things that you do have (see Phil. 4:11-13). Thus, if you truly want to solve the problems that you are wrestling with, you have to be able to clearly identify what the root cause is.

The second principle is to expect problems to happen. Now this does not mean that we should be all doom and gloom all the time constantly thinking that everything is going to go wrong. Yet it is about expecting problems in advance that way you can be better prepared to handle them when they do come your way. In this, you may actually be able to prevent problems because you are looking ahead to what possible problems could occur.

A certain college student sent an email to his parents which read, “Flunked out of school and coming home tomorrow. Prepare Dad.” After just a short while, this young man received back a response from his mother: “Dad prepared. Prepare yourself!”

The former owner of the Oakland Raiders football team, Al Davis said, “A great leader doesn’t treat problems as special. He treats them as normal.” If you are working, expect problems. If you are dealing with family, expect problems.

  In every area of your life it is good to expect problems and rejoice when things go well. Yet even in the problems we can rejoice. James 1:2-4 NLT says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” So when you anticipate problems, you can be better prepared for them, not frustrated when they do come, and looking at them as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Third principle of problem solving is to face it. Denying the problem may feel good for a period of time. This is similar to the people continuing to play the music on the Titanic. The music may have helped to calm their nerves; but it was not going to prevent them from drowning. The simple fact of the matter is that a problem exists, and it is impossible to solve if we are unwilling to face it. Facing a problem is really about being willing to do whatever it takes to overcome it.  Beth Moore said, “So that thing you were so excited about turned out to be harder than you dreamed. Things that matter always are. Endure.”

A fourth principle of problem solving is evaluation. We need to take time to examine the situation at hand. What is the issue? Where did the problem originate? Is it of critical importance to overcome? What would be the outcome if left alone? What potential does this problem present? In other words, what benefits or opportunities can be acquired by facing this issue? President John F. Kennedy was once asked how he became a war hero. To which he responded “It is quite easy. Somebody sunk my boat!” The greatest opportunities often spring from the greatest challenges.

Once you have personally taken the time to evaluate the issue it is a good idea to enlist help. How do other people who are closest to me view the problem? What are possible solutions to this problem? Grenville Kleiser said, “To every problem there is already a solution whether you know what it is or not.” Odds are, someone knows what the solution is. And as Christians, we know Someone who does know the solution to every problem. James, Jesus’ brother said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Therefore, what does God’s Word have to say about issues similar to what you are going through?

Beyond that, God often places people in our lives who can help us in our problems. So, how have others been able to overcome this issue? Would someone be willing to help you through the issue? As Christians, we are blessed with others who will do just that. Meanwhile, we are called to do the same for others. “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2). 

Norman Vincent Peale said, “Positive thinking is how you think about a problem. Enthusiasm is how you feel about a problem. The two together determine what you do about a problem.”

Sixth principle in solving a problem, after you have taken the time to consider the situation both by yourself and with the input of others, it comes time to determine the best possible way to solve the situation. There was a certain woman who was being tried for the murder of her husband. During the trial, a lawyer asked, “What happened to your first husband?” “He died of mushroom poisoning,” she answered. “How about your second husband?” “He died of mushroom poisoning as well,” she said. “Well then, what about your third husband” asked the lawyer. “He died of a concussion.” How did that happen?” asked the attorney. “He wouldn’t eat the mushrooms. :)

So what is the best possible solution to your problem? (And no, it is not to kill your spouse) There is always a solution to your problem, it is just a matter of going through the process that we have discussed in this article that can help you in discovering that answer.

Lastly, move into action. Focus on the task at hand. Carry out the solution in specific, measurable, concrete actions that you can realistically do, one step at a time, and in a timely matter. Ask the Lord to let you be flexible to adjusting the planned solution and be open to the leading of the Spirit as you move forward.

Overcoming the problems that arise can transform your life and possibly our world. Often this will require removing any distraction that could hinder you. Procrastinating about the problem is not going to solve it.

In His service,

Matt

(Portions from John Maxwell, The Difference Maker)

“Forget” . . . . . . & “Remember”

 Well, I for one am glad we have turned the page on an old year and I am looking forward to new challenges in 2021.  I am glad to leave Covid, political bickering, and other issues that have divided the country.  I'm reminded of the words of Paul in Philippians 3:13-14

“…but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

Paul here reminds us to forget what we can't do much about but to focus on what really counts, aligning our lives with the upward call of God.

We are called to remember what God promises to us.  In chapter 4, Paul reminds us “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  

Let’s live 2021 in happy contentment believing what is written in Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  

—Alan

Attitude—The Difference Maker #11: Perspective on Problems

 “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: 

 

Wrong Perspective	Right Perspective
Problems are unsolvable.	Problems are solvable.
Problems are permanent.	Problems are temporary.
Problems are not normal.	Problems are a normal part of life.
Problems make us bitter.	Problems make us better.
Problems control us.	Problems challenge us.
Problems stop us.	Problems stretch us.

 

 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)