The Counterintuitive Life
Strength in Weakness
Let’s face it, we care about what people think. We are hardwired for community, comfort from others, and our personal sense of belonging is chief among our needs. In some cases we reluctantly ascribe to the values of others to fit in. All social groups have norms that people align with in order to fit in. For some it’s through branding, for others it’s more ceremonial and yet, for some it’s through giving up who they are to become something altogether different. So, what is the right thing? Does the right thing change when you’re around some people and return when we’re with others? Are there absolute truths that are unchanging regardless of the changing circumstances? While it’s normal developmentally for our values to change overtime as we grow, it’s important we know who we are and what we stand for. When we live for the approval or peer pleasing of others we risk being free to be who we were made to be.
Jesus lived a life that broke the rules of the social norms around Him:
Love your enemies
Do good to those who hate you
Bless those who curse you
Pray for those who mistreat you
Be the servant of all
Jesus prioritized the importance of rest and prayer, He modeled taking time for solitude, walking by faith and not by sight, giving to receive, and finding strength in our weakness. In our own strength we have God-given limitations and we are dependent on Him. Through God nothing is impossible and we find both healing and redemption through what Jesus did on the cross (something we simply could not do for ourselves).
So, why do we keep trying to impress one another with our perceived goodness?
Out of Death Comes Life
Isaiah 61:1-3 speaks about restoration of what has been lost,
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor,
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn…
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”
In a fearful world focused on tomorrow or what may be taken from today, we have an immovable hope for the future. Revelation 21:4 reveals that out of death will come life and what has been lost will be restored, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Moving to Dependence
We have become preoccupied with ourselves. Many of the things that were meant to provide leisure and convenience have in fact become our demise. One artist responds to our love and dependence of things this way, “enslaved by our liberations.” We’ve not only lost our sense of self, we’ve become hypersensitive to what people think about our things. What about me? When I think it’s my job to manage my things, including my goodness, credibility or reputation these things tend to own me. Dependence is a beautiful way to let go and receive what we need. What do you need today?
Rather than rushing, consider taking a few breaths before your next meeting. Slow down and respond mindfully. As you breathe, bring these thoughts before God and ask him for His peace over you. Take note of your surroundings including the changing weather and who is around you right now. Slow down and protect the time to do what you love. Enjoy and receive care for yourself in the community as you seek to not only ask, but also to receive. Listen well to those around you and take note of what around you is forming you. What habits are forming you right now?
At a Glance:
Take a few breaths before you start your next meeting
Slow Down and respond Mindfully
Give your thoughts and feeling to God in prayer and ask for His peace
Take note of your surroundings
Protect your time
Enjoy yourself and receive care for yourself in community, ask and receive
Listen well and take note to what is forming you
Looking to Set Yourself Apart?
For a real challenge, consider taking a sabbath day of rest for yourself to truly refresh.
Take yourself out of the office and away from email for one day a week. This is a time to rest and take delight in the day you have been given. Think about the restaurant, Chick-Fil-A and since the year 1946 how they have continued to stay closed for a full 24 hours each week. Media around the world have noted the “counterintuitive sales booster” that followed. While Chick-Fil-A is closed 14% of the time more than most fast food restaurants they are currently one of the top 3 fast food restaurants behind McDonalds and Starbucks. In addition, Chick-Fil-A has ranked number 1 in customer satisfaction for the sixth year in a row outranking all other fast food restaurants of its kind!
Advanced:
Take a full 24 hour sabbath once weekly to rest and enjoy the time mindfully with your family and loved ones
Take a brief walk outside regularly, daily when you can
Remember the Birds
A good friend of mine often says, “Remember the birds.” He’s referring to the story Jesus shared with the crowd,
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
My family and I have since adopted the saying. When we’re fearful of the future, remember the birds. When we’re trying to make our own way, remember the birds. When we think all hope has been lost and we’re on our own, remember the birds.
Josh Neuer is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Greenville, SC. Josh helps individuals, families, businesses and communities receive hope and healing that literally changes the world! Josh is passionate about empowering meaningful change in people including growing communities and team cultures. He is the founder of Joshua Neuer, LLC Counseling, a committed husband and father, and is absolutely crazy about relationships!