Facing Challenges Responsibly

When we studied to become coaches, our teacher would often tell us: "Today is the first day of the rest of your life". I thought at first that it was just very motivational and encouraging, but it is actually biblical. In fact, it speaks of the greatest gift of God. We are constantly cleansed by the blood of Jesus and we can start afresh every day, dream new dreams and walk towards a vision, in faith.

In order to enjoy walking in His grace, we must choose to be responsible in all circumstances. As Fred Kofman would say:

"You are not responsible for your circumstances; you are response-able in the face of your circumstances."[1]

How are we going to respond in a particular circumstance?

We have two choices: blame others or take responsibility. We can be a victim or imitate Jesus’ character.

When we choose to be a victim, having self-pity or blaming others, it often feels good at first because we justify ourselves, in other words, we claim to be innocent. We think, "I did nothing wrong, it is all the other person’s fault." However, with this attitude, do we really feel the peace that Jesus promised us?

The questions is: which heart does God want us to have? We are encouraged to respond with humility, to not blame-shift, but in self-reflection owning up to how we many have contributed to the outcome of the circumstances. When we choose to play the victim, we are powerless; we cannot do anything to change anything.

The fruits that come from blame-shifting are often resentment or resignation. Resentment is simply a passive-aggressive reaction to anger. It is the attitude that eventually leads to inner bitterness.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled Hebrews 12:15 ESV

From the Scriptures, we also know that we should not let the sun go down while we are still angry. A way to achieve this, is by choosing to be responsible. Some questions you may ask yourself are:

• How may I have contributed to this challenge?

• How should I respond to it?

• What would Jesus do if He was faced with the same challenge?

• What are the Christ-like values I need to demonstrate, despite the circumstances?

It is with true faith in the power of the Spirit that we can choose to do something, and not go to the path of bitterness or resignation. As we choose to be responsible despite our circumstances, we can count on Jesus to be with us, "and after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you."

God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. We have the power of the Holy Spirit to allow us to respond righteously. It does not matter if we get the results we hoped for, what matters is to live out the challenge pleasing God, with unconditional integrity.

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[1] Kofman, Fred, 2010, Conscious Business, page 48