Don’t Ignore Your Conflicts!
The problems which life inflicts on members of the human family cannot be taken lightly when they first affect us. The sooner they are confronted and dealt with, the better. Postponement will only increase their hold on us; ignoring them will magnify the damage they cause to us!
This is particularly so with the problems we create, the sins we commit, the improper actions we perpetrate! The late Abraham Joshua Heschel was most accurate when he declared that “life at its best is lived on a spiritual battlefield.” The trials of our existence do not as much build character as they reveal its presence or absence!
Utter stupidity is what causes some to reason that by doing nothing, their problem shall disappear. Yet, such is never the case! Only a child will act in this fashion for a while, until coming to realize that such is the wrong practice to maintain.
The tragedy is that too many, in adult life, still insist on this infantile perspective which only leads them into trouble, over and over again. As Christian philosopher, Peter Kreeft, put it: “We need a Heaven-sent ethics for a Hell-bent world.”
No one can justify putting one’s self above the laws of man, much less in disregarding the precepts of God without serious outcomes. You cannot take God’s Law into your own hands and adapt it to your wishes and whims!
Some people who consider themselves so clever, may get away with some illegitimate actions for a while. But this posture won’t last long! A “con artist” will be caught, convicted, and ultimately face very unpleasant consequences for those unmeasured, unthought, evil deeds! This may not occur right away, but you may count on this reality catching up with you on payday!
Holy Scripture is most clear when it affirms, “Be sure, your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23b). A low view of God leads some to imagine they can get away with so many things. If you are not succeeding in what matters most, chances are you are failing there!
Although the temptations of this world continually rush upon us, we should never yield nor accomodate to them but, rather, reprove those allurements if and when inimical to our faith. Life will always be complicated. Yet, it may be somewhat simplified by our healthy choices and positive actions, and by the proper direction we are prepared to follow.
The place where you are now is usually indicative of whereto you are moving, of the direction you are going. And C.S. Lewis adds that “progress means not just changing, but changing for the better.” Then, once you found something better, with God’s help, remember that the best should still remain your ultimate goal! Don’t ignore any of your conflicts in life; just utilize the resources God provides you for triumph and genuine satisfaction!
