Perspective: "First World Problems"

While in Haiti, our group played a game called “First World Problems” which is intended to put things into perspective. The example that I shared that night has really stuck with me. Before going on with my story I should probably explain for those of you who don’t know the meaning behind “first world problems”. It could be described as relatively trivial or minor problem or frustration implying contrast with serious problems such as those that may be experienced in the developing world. So the same example I came up with the night in Haiti, not having the right shoes to go with my outfit, happened to me this sunday as I was getting ready for church. Had I enough time, I would have changed my entire outfit. Ironically, later that afternoon, I was talking with a friend who is a missionary in another country. As we were discussing the Lions and things we saw negatively about the football league he said, “first world problems.” BAM there it was, fresh in my mind. I remembered my shoe struggles from the morning and found myself guilty again. When you see kids with no shoes on their feet, you’d think you’d never forget. When you see people who have no food or water, you’d think you’d never forget. When you see people without adequate shelter, clothing, medical help, and the list could go on...you don’t ever want to lose that perspective.

How are you looking at life? Are your eyes focused on the petty things going on in your own world, or are you looking at the world in big picture, the things that really matter through God’s eyes. Romans 8:5 says, “For those who live according to the flesh have their mind set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Galatians repeats and expands this in 5:16-17 and 22-24, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”.

My favorite quote is said by a man who lived out those verses, Jim Elliot. If you have not heard his story I would urge you to read his biography or watch “The End of the Spear” a movie made about his life. In short, Jim became a missionary in Ecuador and his goal was to spread the gospel even to a remote tribe of indians, called Auca. After making contact on a return trip, himself and 4 other men were speared to death. Later, his and another wife went on to make relations with the same tribe that killed her husband and ended up leading them to Christ. Jim wrote, “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. How much of your life is spent worrying about things that are not important from an eternal viewpoint? Let’s ask God to show us the world through His eyes.

What is a true relationship?

The other day a guy said to me, “I know you, but you don’t know me.” Has this ever happened to you? Often because of the work I do, my reputation precedes me, so I get this often. Especially today, because of modern technology, with google search, facebook, and linkedin, you can find out a lot about someone. In truth, all of this knowledge only means you know facts (or sometimes falsehoods), but you don’t actually have a real relationship with them.

That got me thinking, what makes a true relationship? I thought about some of the best relationships I’ve been blessed with over the years and the things that make them so special. Proverbs 20:6 says, “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” Let’s look at some of the passages of the Bible that make up a genuine relationship which are as described, rare treasures.

In a true relationship, you are strengthened…
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In a true relationship, you are encouraged…

-Proverbs 27:9, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

-Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

In a true relationship, you are challenged and kept accountable…

-Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

-Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”

In a true relationship, you are prayed for…

-2 Timothy 1:2-4, “To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from god the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”

In a true relationship, you are unconditionally and sacrificially loved…

-Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

-Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.”

-John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”

This week, in my sunday school class we talked about the value of true relationships. We then read the example of David and Jonathan. Here is a tidbit of their story...1 Samuel 18:1-3, “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met with Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.” Many of you have been blessed with a best friend as described above; one who pushes you to be your best, has your back, is there with you through the good and the bad, and loves you unconditionally. We can have great relationships but none will be perfect and we as well won’t always be the friend we should be. Jesus is the perfect friend who sticks closer than a brother. As it says in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” As you study these scriptures you will learn to know; He will never let you down, He always understands and knows what’s best, and He loves you so much that He laid down His life for you! If you don’t KNOW Him today, get to know Him.