HOW DO CHRISTIANS DEAL WITH PROBLEMS?

We, as believers, have to deal with problems of every sort – at work, school, in our neighborhood, in civic organizations, in our churches. It would be much easier for us to deal with problems if we could keep our focus on who we are and to whom we belong. The Word of God gives us very positive guidelines for the way we should act and react. In light of our relationship with Christ, there are critical areas which each of us face.

As Christians we live in a society made up of communities of people living, working, playing and interacting with one another in a variety of ways. As individuals have been given wills of their own, we have inherited natures that seem to be inclined toward selfishness, ambition and satisfaction of our personal desires while longing to be highly respected by others.

One of the great problems in our relationships with others is covetousness or greed—wanting what others have including power, wealth, position, friends or talents. We want the best of everything for ourselves—sometimes at the expense of others. The last of the Ten Commandments speaks to this issue: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his manservant or his maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” Exodus 20:17 NIV. If we compare ourselves with others and their accomplishments or possessions, it can keep us in a constant mental state of turmoil and spiritual dissatisfaction.

Someone stated, “The world has yet to see what could be accomplished for the Kingdom of God by someone who is not concerned about who would receive the credit.” The cure for the painful problems caused by covetousness or jealousy is the attitude with which we serve God—a servant attitude modeled by Jesus when he washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:12-17).

The desire to be the greatest—for recognition—destroys our peace, our relationships and our fellowship with God. A life of Christian service is the key to personal contentment.

We pray, “Lord, help us as your followers to lead others to you and to let them see in us the work of grace you are performing every day. Help us to be content with all you have provided as we lift you up that you may receive all honor and praise. Amen.”