Be a Part of the Solution

Recently, I had razors delivered to our house. Razors. I didn't run ten minutes to the local drug store or discount store. Razors. To my doorstep. Convenient, yes, but someone once said, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." I felt like part of the problem. Our society is self-indulgent, lazy, money-centric, undisciplined, by the standards of our not-so-long-ago ancestors. My family history is one of laborers and craftsmen. Hard working, up at the crack of dawn, God-fearing, country-loving, and thrifty. Here I was, so desperate for razors, too lazy to fight the slippered crowds at Walmart, and such a part of the "convenience culture," I was expecting someone to walk up thirteen steps in twenty-degree weather to drop off a pack of razors. If they'd offered "lovingly-tuck-them-inside-your-warm-house-so-you-don't-have-to-stick-your-hand-out-in-said-cold" service, I might have paid the extra two dollars.

Have you ever paused to wonder how you would have fared in the days your grandparents lived? How about the early days of our nation? Ancient Jerusalem? This year I have been using The One Year Christian History Devotional, by E. Michael and Sharon Rusten. It has made me wish I'd paid more attention in Miss Williamson's high school history classes. More than that, it has made me reflect on my commitment to Christ. How far would I go? Would I be able to withstand persecution and hardship for my faith the way others did? Christ is our standard; our behavior and attitudes are to be measured by His alone, but seeing how others followed His example, and measured their lives against His as they should, is inspiring.

We are entering a new year in just a few days. A simple flip of a page. People love to see it as the start of something better, but any day can be just that. Maybe your day is today. Commit or recommit to faithfully reading Scripture. Find a good devotional to inspire you. Silence yourself humbly before the Lord, asking Him to reveal areas in which you need to take it up a notch. Refuse to allow things to remain status quo. Find a great accountability partner. 

Seek the greatest Solution ever -- Jesus Christ -- and be a part of Him.