Life from childhood to adult is surrounded by various challenges and problems, from trivial matters to complicated situations. Man has been intuitively solving problems since time and memorial. A kid may be asked by his mom which color of shirt he wants to wear or which meal to order, a teenager maybe burdened to decide which course to take in college. And as one develops to adulthood he also develops within himself his own way of dealing with life’s dilemmas, whether challenged to reverse a particular situation or working to achieve a goal. Based on experience on the ways on how to get away from difficult situations in “flying colors”, that is finding solution to a problem- first thing first. Understanding the problem by means of carefully identifying what is the root cause rather than simply applying a sort of “first-aid” to remedy the underlying symptoms. Then “explore” the problem by means of asking questions like: who else experience the same problems, how does it affect them and how they deal with it. It is like taking different perspectives of how a problem is treated. Seeing the problem in different ways is likely to help find an effective solution (“Effective problem solving”, pars. 7-9). After obtaining adequate knowledge about the problem, next is setting the goals of what it is that has to be achieved. By means of writing down specific objectives, one will have a more concrete view of the end result. Limiting the scope, whether solution must be in long or short term must also be explicit. At this point, possible solutions can be raised perhaps through brain-storming of ideas if this involves a group or just simply jot down all alternative courses of actions. Soliciting advice from friends or relatives is also helpful. The internet can also provide information and advice for almost any king of topic. Once the lists of possibilities were drawn, select the action that is most realistic and manageable. By means of asking “what-if” questions for each possible solution will help in analyzing what might be the outcome when such action is applied and eliminating the unrealistic and unmanageable ones will leave you with the most practical and effective solution for your problem (Gillman, par. 1). Then, it is time to put the selected possible solution into real work. Implementation takes a great deal of time and energy. If working with a group of people, communication and coordination are very crucial while self-discipline is vital for achieving personal goals. After the work has been done, feedback and evaluation will show whether the selected action has successfully solved the problem.
December 27, 2007
December 11, 2007
Each of us wants to believe that the truths that we know of and are trying to live by are the “true” truths. A man works hard for each penny to make life more comfortable for his family because he believes in the simple truth that a good father is a good provider. A mother on the other hand, does whatever is expected of her by the society, she does the chores in the house, takes care for her sons and daughters and make herself pleasant in the eye of her husband. A son do the same, he tries to please his parents by doing what they tell. Each of us has our own truths that we try to live by. The “truth” that is accepted by society or the radical “truth” that is despised by the norms and tradition of this so-called civilization. A husband robs a bank because he wants to bring his dying child to a hospital, or a girl “selling” her own body to support her young siblings. The courses of actions that one would take will depend on the “truths” that was inculcated into him since childhood and the influences he had as well. Therefore, in order to realize an ideal society (eutopia) wherein man live in a perfect environment free of poverty and crimes, the “truth” that must be infused into him is the “real” truth about his being. Not dictated by the government nor by any sect or cult but by someone who knows man really well. He is someone who very well knows our being inside out, physically and emotionally. He knows what exactly a man’s body needs, his feelings and emotions. He is someone who genuinely cares for man’s welfare, no ulterior motive whatsoever. Who else can know the truth that each man must or should live by than that very person who created him-God? And the good news is that His Truths for humankind is available through His words in the Holy Scriptures. His words for man, the truth that man should live by are written in this book, just like a father’s letter for his son.
But over the years, many attempts have been undertaken to annihilate this book. History tells us of the murders that were committed just to prevent the masses from reading this all time best selling book! People of these modern times are fortunate that this wondrous book has reached our hands. An evidence of the spirit that overwhelmed this book as told by the prophet Isaiah:
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” -Isaiah 34:16
The truths that are written in the Bible, the words of God, are like advice, admonition of a Father to His sons. If only the sons will follow his Father, everything will be all right. Since God gave us the gift of freewill, we are not robots that would simply do what is commanded of us. He gave us the power to choose. Obey Him or the otherwise. As I am discovering the wonders of this book (through the guidance of a friend), the Bible has in it the reasons of every man’s existence, how man must live his daily life, how man must relate to others, how he must treat himself, his neighbors, his family, his God.
Like, in the first place, man was created out of love. Because of God’s love to His only begotten Son, whose delight is in the sons of men.
“Then I was by him, [as] one brought up [with him]: and I was daily [his] delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights [were] with the sons of men.” —Proverb 8:30-31
God’s love to man as His masterpiece (Ephesians 1:4) is very apparent that He created man after His own image and that everything was created intended for man. Wonder why we were created lastly? Because God had first prepared everything ready before us (Acts 17:26, Genesis 1:29-30). Like a father or a mother preparing everything in anticipation of a new baby. And of course, the ultimate manifestation of God’s love is when He even gave His only begotten Son for the salvation of mankind from their sins. And in the Bible also, it is explicitly stated how man can express his love and gratitude to God. Going back to that verse Isaiah 34:16 the Bible in itself is enough. If you want to understand the meaning of a word, you do not look for dictionary but rather “seek out of the book”. For instance, many of us claim that we love God. Claiming is one thing, but proving is another thing. In what way can we express our love towards God? Can we please Him by giving Him gifts? He does not need anything since He is the Creator of everything around us!
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” –Acts 17:24-25
So, how can a man express his love towards God?
“ By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.”
– I John 5:2
That is how to love God, to keep His commandments and His commandments were commanded for the benefit of man. In the olden days, in the time of Moses, the Israelites were prohibited to eat pork. The fats of the animal that they would offer should be burnt.
“And the priest shall burn them upon the altar: [it is] the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savour: all the fat [is] the LORD’S.” — Leviticus 3:16
Why? Does God really need to eat the fats? Of course not! It is logical to think that it is because during that time, there are no medicine for hypertension, so if man would indulge in eating pork like today, many would have died in cardiovascular diseases.
A person is considered unclean when a he touches a body of a dead animal (Leviticus 11:31-32). It is only later through the invention of the microscope that man became aware that there are micro organisms invisible to the naked eye such us bacteria and viruses. These commandments were given in order to protect man. And in all of the aspects of everyday living, God has something to say. To cite a few:
God condemns idleness: “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with [his] hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” – Ephesians 4:28
How to treat your family: “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” — 1 Timothy 5:8
“And honour not his father or his mother…” – Mathew 15:6
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”— Ephesians 6: 1
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4
How to treat your fellowmen: “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” –Galatians 6:10
If only each of us would live by the Truths of the Bible which are the commandments of God,
“Thy righteousness [is] an everlasting righteousness, and thy law [is] the truth.”
- – Psalm 119:142
“Thou [art] near, O LORD; and all thy commandments [are] truth.”
– Psalm 119:151
And if we come to realize how special each of us in the sight of the Lord, and that our purpose is to walk in righteousness,
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.—Ephesians 2:10
An ideal society in this planet (or perhaps maybe in another world) is possible…
If only…
May 12, 2007
It has long been said by many that a key to man’s happiness is not having what he wants but rather wanting what he already have. That contentment and simplicity makes life less stressful, pleasant and happy. When asked about whether would I want to go abroad for better opportunities, I could respond simply by saying I’m happier here. Then followed by questions like “Don’t you have any dreams of becoming rich?” Well, personally I do not really equate financial wealth to happiness. Maybe it’s because of the fact that I grew up around a religious family or perhaps because I grew up watching happy ending movies and reading essays of courage and quests. Of course, anyone would not argue that in contentment you will find some happiness and in simplicity, of course, life is easier. But today, in a global community, wherein you can never be so remote not to be aware of what’s really going on around or beyond your place of tranquillity. How simple is simple? In this country where you can find the poorest of the poor? Where people no matter how hard he works, will hardly earn enough for his family. How contented one should be so as not to fall under the category of the “good-for-nothing” bum. I can’t help not to mention my sister’s husband.(sigh. So contented with his life, being supported by my father’s remittance for my sister and her kids, no longer look for stable job…so there’s my sister, I wonder what future lies ahead for her or does she even care to even think about it…
Nowadays, in this techie civilization, can one survive without a cell phone in his hand? Or perhaps live a life in the absence of the daily gadgets and appliances we are used to? Can one live a “simple Life” in this Information Age? Can contentment be just a camouflage for laziness?
Contentment in every ways maybe essential in achieving peace with your own self, thus can logically lead to one’s happiness. But life as many others and I see it do not favor for stagnant existence. Progress, growth has always been expected for everything, otherwise we would rather be dead! And if we go on trying to make some progress in whatever we do, life will never be simple. When the things that we wanted progresses, our needs progress, and we will find means to better satisfy these upgraded needs by looking for better jobs or go into profitable ventures. Thanks for the discontented men and women who did not stop from inventing things that introduce civilization to humankind!
