"What's wrong with me Coach? I don't get it; I've been doing
so good for so long and now nothing's working!" The
rising young star was desperate, sensing his dream for a Division-1 scholarship
slipping through his fingers. "I work hard! I never miss
practice! I'm trying Coach, I'm really trying! Why is everything going so
wrong?!"
If you've ever played or coached any sport seriously, you've heard
these words, or even more likely, you have said them yourself. However,
even if you've never played sports, these words strike a familiar chord in
the heart of each one of us, because the feelings being expressed and the
underlying cause and effect are common to the lives of every person.
So, what's the coach going to say? What would you say? "Suck
it up kid; it's all part of learning. Just keep working hard doing what you're doing;
it'll all work out eventually. Remember, winners never quit and
quitters never win. Now get your butt back out there and tough it
out."
It hurts me to write that because, as a father of 6, I have too many times
responded to my own kids' cries for help in much the same way. I mean, it
sounds like good 'coach-talk' and all, but the truth is, when a coach (or
parent, sibling, boss, friend, pastor, etc.) says something like this, or even
when we say it to ourselves, it clearly reveals one of two facts; either the
coach doesn't care enough to invest the time necessary to find the cause of the
problem, or the coach doesn't know enough about the game (or the player) to be
able to give any better advice and he or she is too proud to admit
it. Either way, the player loses.
The scenario playing out above is obviously analogous to many,
many events and seasons in all of our lives and the effect is easy to see;
but what about the cause? Is "toughing it out" really going to
address the reason for the struggle? How do we respond in a way that
addresses the cause?
Sticking with the sports theme, I'll quote the great Vince Lombardi - "Practice
does not make perfect. Only perfect practice makes perfect."
In other words; don't just keep working hard, doing what you're doing, because there may be something wrong with the way you're
doing it. First, you've got to make sure you're doing it right.
There are different ways to approach this process, depending on your
context. One way is to dissect the effect (the problem); pealing it back,
layer by layer, until the cause is revealed, then address the cause and
determine how to prevent it from happening again. This in a nutshell
describes the science of 'root-cause analysis', which is a very effective
tool in the business world. However, on a more personal level, or in a
more urgent context, the process of root-cause analysis is often too time-consuming
to be of any practical value.
Another more efficient approach to resolving a problem is the one that
every GOOD coach knows and teaches: stop what you're doing, get
back to focusing on the basics, then
move forward. In applying this simple response, the cause will be
self-identified, the resolution to the problem will become clear, and
the basic foundation for everything from that point on will be strengthened.
This truth extends into all areas of our lives; personal, career,
relationships, finances, you name it. There is nothing in our lives that cannot
be improved by the careful turning of our attention to the most basic
principles and practices that support us and that guide our every action
and decision.
C.S. Lewis said - "We all want progress, but if you're on the wrong
road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in
that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive."
Do you think ol' Clive and Vince knew each other?
Probably not (opposite sides of The Pond you know), but they both
said essentially the same thing, because they were both essentially wise
men. Both of them knew, accepted and
understood that the quintessential source of wisdom is the
Bible, and they applied it actively and intentionally to their lives and
careers. Were they perfect specimens of wisdom? Absolutely not,
they were flawed men; sinners who made mistakes like the rest of us.
However, history has ascribed greatness to these men, and with good
reason.
But what about the rest of us mere mortals? What about those
oh-so-many times when we ask ourselves, "Why does this
keep happening to me?" If you've read this far, you know what's
coming next, that's right: Get back to basics. But how? What does
that look like?
If you already know God and accept the Bible as the basis and source of all
wisdom, then you know that the answer is in there. But don't stop reading
now; I'll get to you in a minute.
If you have not accepted the Bible, or you have not decided to trust
God, then you're on your own, free to keep trying it your own way; just don't
be surprised when your situation doesn't improve and "Why does this keep
happening to me?" becomes your life slogan. However, even if you
have not accepted either God or the Bible, the answer is still in there, free
for the taking; all you have to do is be willing to look for it.
Have you had enough of doing it your way? Are you tired of asking
"Why does this keep happening to me?" What have you got to
lose? Let's get started!
For devout Christians and doubters alike, the process is the same:
getting back to basics starts with opening the Bible and reading it as a
matter of daily, personal discipline. If you are new to the Bible, it is
a good idea to start with the New Testament. If you don't have access to
a Bible, go to www.Bible.com, there
you can read and explore God's Word in whatever language or translation you
prefer. You can also download the YouVersionBible App to your smartphone or tablet and take it with you anywhere!
So, now that you've got a Bible in front of you, what next?
Pray. Pray before you read, ask the Author of Life to reveal to you what
He wants to say to you at this time, then shut-up and listen for Him to
speak to you through what you read. Now, I'm not suggesting that you
will hear an audible voice, but when God speaks to you through His
written Word, you will know it in your heart as
clearly as if you had heard it with your ears!
Next, continue through your day in an attitude of prayer, discussing with
God what you have read. This does NOT mean that you have to be
on your knees or have your eyes closed all day (try explaining that to your boss
or the cop that just pulled you over!); it simply means carrying on a
private, personal conversation with God as you go about your normal
routine. Talk with God as if you are talking with a friend, but remember
to do more listening than talking.
Finally, apply what you learn. Intentionally submit your will to that
of your Creator and find peace in what He says and does, because it is going to
be amazing!
If you are new to the Bible, these will be the first steps in laying the
foundation for the rest of your life. However, if you have been a
Christian for a while, or maybe you were raised in a Christian home and have
wandered off the path, then this means breaking down the walls and
preconceptions you have built and clearing away the debris; your
spiritual foundation is still there, you just need to uncover it
and sweep it clean.
Whether you are laying a new foundation, or cleaning up an old one; if you
are reading this, you are at a very remarkable place in your life and facing a
truly life-changing opportunity; the opportunity to start building a
new life with Christ as the Cornerstone, so what are you waiting for?
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
PDS
Edmond, OK
13-JUN-2013
