“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil. 4:13.
A syndrome is defined as a set of symptoms or a condition characterized by a set of symptoms working together by which it is identified, as the “not in my backyard” syndrome.
In today’s world, it is easy to find a negative syndrome dominating the lives of God’s people. It is the sense of overload, of burden that limits or negates altogether their pressing forward in the things that really count in life: that which is of God, and beneficial to self and to others. What I mean is this: When asked how one is doing or when asking for someone to actually do something, one is likely to hear: “I am doing all right under the circumstances,” or “I would love to, but cannot under the circumstances.”
Now why is it that most folks are always “under the circumstances?” Is this just an excuse, or do people really feel loaded down, depressed, unable to do what they should with any degree of joy? Doubtless, this is a condition that actually exists in the lives of some folks at times, but then they become comfortable in it, and it becomes a syndrome by which they are recognized.
The good news is that there is another, completely different syndrome that can characterize life. It is the “I can” syndrome. Folks in leadership capacity often look for someone to take responsibility for a task. They find without exception that if they really want to get something done, they call on someone who is really busy. In him/her they will find one who has learned to manage time and abilities; one who is characterized by the “I can” syndrome. Such persons live in the joy of accomplishment: on TOP of the circumstances instead of under them.
This is the syndrome that characterized the apostle Paul. He, more than others, could have set forth reasons why he had enough burdens, and experienced too many heartaches, but his was the joy of involvement, of accomplishment. He is a great example of what we all can be in Christ. We should all be busy doing what we can do for the cause of Christ, not under, but on top of the circumstances. That is altogether possible in Christ!
FOR THOUGHT: How many times have you procrastinated because you were under the circumstances? Do you find joy in the “I can” syndrome? Do you see these attitudes as habitual motivators in life that become a syndrome by which you are identified?
ONE YEAR OF EXPERIENCE TEN TIMES
An interesting comment was made in my presence many years ago. My friend who was vice-president of a major bank at the time, related in the course of conversation that a teller requested a raise in pay. When asked to justify the action, the teller replied that she deserved it because she now has ten years of experience. Whereupon the vice-president retorted that he could understand that from her viewpoint, but that she must understand that from the bank’s viewpoint she did not have ten years of experience, rather she had one year of experience ten times.
Pondering that conversation for many years, it has become painfully clear that this is the case of way too many members of the Lord’s churches everywhere. Some are quite proud of their longevity of membership, and perhaps faithfulness in attendance. While these things are to be appreciated, it is not a point of honor and glory for church members to have less than one year’s experience forty times or more. It is easy for one to get the distinct impression that a lot of church folk see the Christian life as static. They have been saved, baptized, and admitted to the membership of a New Testament Church. With those things in place, they feel that they are to mark time until Jesus comes. But, those things are NOT to be catapults into a static position.
Rather, they are foundational to massive growth in knowledge and grace in what the spiritual work of the church is about; to help prepare saints to rule and reign with Christ in the age that is about to happen.
So, in listening to others, and in private experience, learn to pray! Discover the contents of the blessed Book which is the only thing in this world that will survive, and be in primary play in eternity. Peter’s admonition to grow in grace and knowledge, 2 Peter 3:18, is so important to every believer. The truly important thing in life is what one believes, and one cannot believe what he does not know. Therefore all of God’s people should be in hot pursuit of spiritual knowledge, intensifying faith, and enjoying the peace and joy of understanding and wisdom that brings. The personal question: “what have I learned in the last few years?” is important. 2 Peter 3:18 admonishes us all: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…”
How sad it will be for some who will fail to impress the Lord with their long, static position to hear Him say, “My child you have one year of experience forty times.” I have no bragging room or rights on this subject, nor are they sought, but I am still learning.
FOR THOUGHT: After reading this article, how many years of experience do you think you have? Do you think you are ready to rule and reign with Jesus based on your present knowledge of the Bible? If not, what is the plan to change that?