Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday August 3, 2006

For many years I have used a technique to help me to evaluate problems, and you may be sure that pastors must be problem solvers. In order to increase effectiveness in this necessary labor, you have to discover whether you are dealing with a person who has problems or if said person is a/the problem. Get me right, I have read the books and I am familiar with the concept that there are no problem people. Come on up and I will introduce you a few strangers.

John Ruskin commented on a truth that helps me to work on the real rather than the perceived need of folks normal people would identify as problems, instead of people with problems. Mr. Ruskin said:

"People are eternally divided into two classes, the believer, builder and praiser, and the unbeliever, destroyer, and critic."

Pretty good, isn't it?

Philippians 4:8 deals with the attitude of the believer, the builder, and the praiser. It does little good to pretend that you are in this category, if in fact you are not. I often stand in front of a mirror and read Philippians 4:8, out loud and then ask, "Lord, does this verse correctly define my current attitude?" In case you don't have a Bible handy, the verse states:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8.

If my thought life is in harmony with the above verse, then I am included in the first group, the group that gets things done, the group that enjoys the doing and the group that praises the Lord Jesus.

If however, my thought life is out of sync with Philippians 4:8 I am in the second group, the group of unbelievers, not necessarily unbelievers in Christ, but folks who do not believe the practical aspects of the gospel. As for being a destroyer, how do I use my tongue? Do I sincerely believe that my gift from God for service is a 'gift' of criticism?

Which group do you think is the happiest, which group accomplishes the most in our allotted time on earth?

God has given to each of us the power to choose which group we want to associate with, and we cannot fake it for very long. In order to sustain membership in Group #1 we must stay on our knees in surrender to Christ and learn to trust Him. Group #2? It just happens and you earn no rewards to cast at His feet.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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