Christian Living
Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday August 16, 2011
It seems the Lord is putting the concept of change on my mind these days. I have no idea why, but I have been learning over a few years to pay attention when such things come into my thoughts strongly. Who knows?
When we think of change it is usually associated with place, a change of dwelling place, or city, on occasion even the country in which we live. I know of no plans for and of these. Nor am I aware of any change in personnel within the marriage! I'm not ready to die!
Prisoners are always hoping for a change. Families in serious debt would love to change to a better job. All of us at one time or another have earnestly desired for a situation to change.
Victor Frankl the noted psychiatrist who suffered in concentration camps during WWII, even experiencing the heartache of knowing his wife had been murdered by the Nazi’s in another part of the camp wrote about the experience in "Mans Search For Meaning" a classic on keeping your mind under control in the midst of a living nightmare said:
"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."
Frankl pointed out that while many prisoners sunk to low levels of mental and physical existence, many chose to actually rise to higher planes of living. Many chose to use whatever time they had to alleviate the hunger and suffering of others. The average calorie intake in the camps was 800 per day, the starvation level, and those who chose the high road shared this meager amount with others. They chose to be human rather than bestial. To give rather than take, thus demonstrating inner strength.
I talked with a man who had come through a series of losses including his well paying business, his wife and his reputation in the community. He had lived the life of the rich and famous while leading as the president of a widely known international charity. I noted that in spite of his location, a federal prison, he was at peace within. I asked him how he arrived at this place of peace. He told me in simple terms, "Larry, the Lord used my foolishness to draw me close to Him. As a result my mind has been enlightened, changed concerning what is really important."
Christians know or should know, that when Christ is set free inside of us He changes our minds and hearts about what is really important and we have peace. The situation does not negatively affect our life. In many cases we are enriched by sharing and being touched by that which is truly important.
Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit
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