Before you get your undies in a bunch, this will not be a “Is he for it or is he against it?” post.
Sorry.
Over the weekend I finished #Struggles by Craig Groeschel. (Thanks to Sunday afternoon’s snow) I’ve written some posts based on it recently. His conclusive remarks made me stop and take notice. I am not a social media “freak.” I don’t do FB, Tweet, Pin, Snap (except to occasionally say it), or any of the other myriad options. I blog. When I am home I check my mail on my phone (since I don’t have a computer at home). I listen to YouTube, where I have a playlist of my favorite artists, when I do my puzzles or ride my bike inside.
I say I have other things which give me enough trouble without adding more time-consuming playthings to my already full time schedule. Craig reminded me of the #struggles we all have, but he didn’t leave me hanging. I’d like to share three thoughts with you which come from his book. He takes his thoughts from John 5:1-15. Here they are:
- The longer a problem persists, the more discouraged you become. Any addict will tell you this. I’ve read enough and known enough people who want to break the chain of addiction (to anything) that discouragement becomes a very real issue.
- The longer a problem persists, the more excuses you make. Gotcha on that one Craig. Excuses become our “go to” mechanism. The way I see it excuses also become harder and harder to come up with. We start wondering, “Have I used that one before?”
- The longer a problem persists, the more you learn to compensate. When I was a sophomore in college I came back to school during the Christmas break on crutches. A badly sprained ankle, which probably included some ligament damage, made it impossible to walk, let alone play. Yet, 2 weeks later I was limping up and down the court, shooting off one foot, rebounding off one leg…then I visited the chiropractor that summer when I couldn’t bend over. (And I still visit one to this day). Compensation hurt me big time.
I like what Craig writes: “You cannot change what you are willing to tolerate.” (p.198). Is it time for you to clean some house? I’m going to get my Shop-vac. That sucks it up nice and strong.
Convicting brother, convicting. Love the quote, You cannot change what you are willing to tolerate. That hit me hard because of my eating habits. I like my habits, in fact I love my habit of eating snacky food late at night when I cannot sleep. Of course I have a ton of options, read, pray, write, pray, listen to music, pray…ok you get the picture. Gonna get this book…just what you wrote will preach for a pastor and teach for this teacher. I love people who are able to say things so that it brings conviction to the reading and not anger to the writer. Good one Bill.
Thanks Betty. I think if we are honest the quote will hit many of us with conviction.
I found out recently the hard way that you can’t change what you tolerate. It stunk, but I had to make a change. Things got better overnight.
Glad to hear you were open to the needed change.
Hi Bill,
Nice to hear what you and others are reading. This line struck me most tonight: “You cannot change what you are willing to tolerate.” Hmm, wow. I’m going to have to process that more.
Hi to you and your family,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
I’m still processing its ramifications in my own life Jennifer.
I pretty much like things as they are. The house just fine.
Hmmmmm.
“You can’t change what you tolerate.” PHEW! There’s a whole sermon in that once sentence. Need to marinate in that for a while. Thank you!
You’re welcome Ed. Marinate is right!
Powerful post brother….compensating is quite possibly the most damaging thing we can do in almost every situation, at least for the long haul. The real answer is restoration of course…let the cleaning begin!
I agree Jay. Compensating leads to all sorts of problems. And you are also right the real answer is restoration.
What a powerful quote that is regarding not being able to change what we simply tolerate. Think is’t time for the Dyson here at my house!
Thanks for the inspiration, Bill! Blessings!
Which is more powerful? Your Dyson or my shop-vac. Doesn’t matter really. They both do the job.
I think the quote hit most… Time to dig in and determine what I am tolerating and see if change is required.
Another quote I like… assuming my search led me in the right direction, is a quote by Lou Holtz
“In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying so get in motion and grow.”
I think this goes along with what we are willing to tolerate…
If we are satisfied with the status quo, Eventually the status quo degrades.
The basic idea is that it takes work just simply to maintain.
This is true for a minimally complex system – a shed in the back yard, your car, your house…
How much more important is it to a complex creation such as your body, soul, and mind.
I can’t improve on what you have said Ryan. I do like Lou Holtz’s quote. We are a remarkably complex system and we need to heed that which is trying to heal the body, mind and soul.
That is such a great quote!
Agreed!
Wow. Homerun of a quote; “You cannot change what you are willing to tolerate.”
Yeah, it certainly does start there and if that doesn’t get the attention of our free will, I don’t know what will!
Such a struggle! It is so hard to let things go-especially sin- to be God’s man or women.
Hi Bill! I agree with all of the quotes you have here. I am a food-aholic, and I eat when I’m not hungry. It’s a terrible habit, and of course I compensate for it with excuses.
My house might need a little cleaning…do you travel with that Shop Vac?
Blessings,
Ceil
I’m not a food-aholic…although I do like food. Choco-holic maybe. Okay I am. As for traveling…sure. if you need it “Have Shop-vac will travel.”