Getting Out Of the Box
She said she understood. She even repeated all the key points of our discussion. Intelligence was there. But after she left the office, she failed to implement the strategy we had discussed.
Analysis made clear that she did not know how to do the right thing. Not knowing how to do something right is a critical flaw in the process.
I got to thinking. Every time that a person says they are going to do something right and they fail to do it right, it is troublesome. Lots of folks pay the price of failure, not just the person who has failed. Yes, the person loses, but others lose what could have been gained or been a blessing. Others feel the pain of the negatives from failure. Failure costs.
Think about it. Shoplifting causes prices to be higher for everyone. Arson raises insurance rates for everyone. Abuse bruises a whole family. Get the point? Failure has huge costs. The Bible tells us that “sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
Well, why would a person who knows to do good, not do good (James 4:16)? The answer may be as simple as: A person can know that something is right and not know how to do it. I know that annual tax reports must be filed with the government. I do not know how to fill out the reports.
Ahhh! Here is a word. Knowing truth and knowing how to perform the truth are two different things.
Now, let us back up a moment. First, a person must know the truth. Suppose the truth is different from what has been the belief and practice of the person. Well, the next step is that a person must want the “new” truth. A decision must be made that what I have believed in the past is incorrect. I have received information that is more accurate and acceptable.
Next step: knowing the truth and being willing to accept the truth, a person must make a decision that I am willing to be taught how to manifest the truth through behavior that is consistent with the truth. In other words, a person says: “I am willing to get help for the problem I have. I am not able to help myself.” For example, I find someone who knows about accounting to help with my taxes. The accountant and I both know that the accountant knows more than I do about tax reports. It is humbling, but wise.
It would seem the problem is reasonably solved -- not yet. When a person knows the truth, recognizes the need to seek help, and obtains help, a lot of progress has been made. However, a critical factor is not yet integrated into the equation: the person has not decided that they will allow the knowledge of how to do right to become part of personal behavior. For example, a person has a tax problem. It is a serious problem. They need help. They seek help. However, after the expert has given advice and counsel the person says: “I do not like what I have been told. I know it is right. I know I ought to. But I am not going to do it!” Remember the Rich Young Ruler and Jesus? He kept all the commandments, but was unwilling to take the advice that would make his life complete (Mark 10:21).
The alcoholic takes another drink. The drug addict mainlines again. The adulterer goes out one more time. The pornographer looks at another magazine. The person that knows to be saved says “Tomorrow.” The person that could “fix” marriage or home stubbornly refuses. The person that could be a real contribution to the local church says “I don’t want to.”
“You almost persuade me to be a Christian,” King Agrippa said (Acts 26:28). He liked the message of Jesus. He was not willing to accept the truth, to learn how to live the truth, and to follow. Until truth is followed it is but a figment of the imagination, yet a reality that leads to failure.
Jesus said to Levi, “Follow me” (Mark 2:14). Levi heard, acted, left all his past life, and followed Jesus.
To get out of the box:
- One must believe that the box is not the place to be.
- There is a better place than the box.
- There is a way to the new place outside the box.
- Someone knows how to get to the new place.
- One is willing to get help to know how to get out of the box.
- One is willing to practice what is learned to get out of the box.
- One is willing to do what it takes to get to the better place – and stay there.
Hopefully, if you are living in a box, you will decide to get help and get out.
Jesus cares. We care.
With love,
Pastor Bare
I Peter 5:7; James 1:5 & 6