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In this semi-regular post, I will share what I enjoy in life that you might also appreciate (or at least get to know me and my quirks better). In addition, I will share things to stir godliness in your life.
“We will never agree on the solution, until we agree on the problem." - D.A. Carson
A dear brother-in-the-Lord quoted this in Sunday School this past week. It was appropriate in our discussion about the bible's teaching on Mankind's Fall and Sin. It also got my gears going.
This verse is another application of Proverbs 18:13, "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame." Good problem solving promotes this behavior. Good counseling also encourages this behavior. Agreeing what the problem is helps to unify and execute a strategic solution.
Whether agreeing that the solution to sin is Jesus' sacrifice that offers reconciliation with God for all who place their trust in him, or agreeing that stonewalling has created a wall in a relationship, taking the time to listen to the full story is more efficient than jumping to conclusions on half the story. It prevents you from putting your foot in your mouth.
I realize that we live in a world where such straightforward common sense advice like full active listening and honest dialogue gets short circuited by short sighted thinking and foolish or immature agendas. Sin complicates these matters. There is not a day goes by that we don't see the affects of sinful actions that are all trying to solve similar problems, but can't agree on the problem. Therefore, everyone is running on folly and experiencing shame without knowing the true cause.
However, it does not mean that we shouldn't try to engage in practicing Proverbs 18:13. Work on your corner of the world and influence.
Forget about always having the answers or an opinion.
Ask yourself "How can I contribute to the quality of the dialogue needed to get agreement on a problem?"
Be quick to listen and slow to speak with prayerfully listening in between for God's guidance or answer in the matter.
My Go-To Hot Drink
I’m not normally a hot beverage drinker. But a few birthdays ago I made the decision to embrace some kind of hot drink. That way when I sit with my coffee loving wife, I didn’t feel like a 10 year old sitting with my hot chocolate and with whip cream on top. I’d actually be talking and nursing an adult hot beverage. I settled on tea. Harney and Sons Hot Cinnamon Sunset and Hot Cinnamon Spice are my Go To Hot drinks. Now, it’s not lost on me that cinnamon is a favorite kids flavor (much like chocolate and whip cream). But I’ve enjoyed the journey and I’m open to adding to my experience.
If you love hot drinks and tea in particular, I commend this to your bucket list if you’ve never given it a shot.
(BTW- I get nothing for sharing my likes with the brand names. So please see this not as an ad, but purely as a friend telling another friend “Hey, You might like this!”)
Tell me your favorite hot drink in the comments below
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Until next time,
Whether you are solving problems or drinking tea, whatever you do, do it For 1 Glory. Do all for the glory of God.
Eric