1. You’re noticing the problem because you are part of the
solution
It’s easy to become dejected, discouraged or critical when
we see problems in our church, our workplace or our social environment. Bitterness and complaining can set in quickly,
as too, can apathy. It is far too easy to walk into a room, take its pulse and say, ‘I’m outta here.’ But, perhaps you’re noticing the problem
because you are part of the solution. We have each been given unique gifts,
talents and insights to bless those around us. Rather than feel discouraged
when you notice a missing ‘piece’ in the puzzle, pray, ‘God, use me to
fill that gap.’
2. No rear-view Christianity
The enemy loves to use past failures to keep us from moving
forward. It is one of the favourite tools in his arsenal. He will remind you of
the mistakes you made yesterday, last year, last decade. He may even point out
the mistakes of your nearest and dearest to remind you, ‘Hey, if they couldn’t do
it, what makes you think you can?’ We are always in motion; we decide which way
we will point our noses. If our gaze is on the past and it’s mistakes, chances
are we will repeat them. While there is a time and a place to prayerfully deal
with the past, ruminating on our failures will only hold us back.
3. Quit asking why it didn’t work for someone else
Jesus established an important principle when he told Peter not to look at his friend, John, but to follow Him instead. Using each other as a plumb line never works. Why? Because we
are human. We have our moments of brilliance and our moments of not-so
brilliance. Times when we are living in obedience to truth and times when we
are slip-sliding around in the flesh. Looking at each other and worse still,
using each other’s experience as a litmus for God’s truth is a fast track to
doubt and discouragement. Why did that person die of cancer and that other one
was healed? Well, I don’t know and no matter how much time you spend wondering
on it, neither will you. What I do know is what God tells me in His Word. That
is the plumb line.
4. Things will never be the same again
While many of us do not like change, knowing that things
will never be the same again can be one of the most liberating aspects of the
Christian life. God tells us that He is working in us and that we are going
from strength to strength and glory to glory. This means that we are always forging
new territory and gaining new victory. We might take our time to learn the
lessons God would have us learn, but praise God, our future looks different to our past.
5. Stop trying to be what you already are
Many Christians live in perpetual cycles of sin, guilt,
confession, sin guilt confession. We have been told that our sin separates us
from God. Guess what? They got it wrong. Once we accepted Christ, we were
immediately, irrevocably and legally cleared of all debts against us; past,
present and future. Sin ceased to be the problem between us and God. What that
means is that we can step off the silly cycle. We can wholeheartedly take for
granted the fact that when God looks at us, He sees only the work of Christ.
Does that mean He is happy when we sin? No. God is continually working in His
children to will and to do His will. However, sin no longer separates us from
His presence. How could it? We need His presence to help us when we are at our messiest. We don't need to try to please the
God who looks at us and says, ‘I see no stain upon you.’
