The Black Dot, What Do You See?: Walking in Humility With Christ

As you survey national and international events it doesn’t require formal analysis to reach a conclusion that a growing uneasiness abounds.  Economic and job markets, political and decision-making avenues, social and cultural mores, family and personal lives all appear to be facing almost daily assaults, and calm is not the order of the day.  Turmoil with repetitive change takes a toll on a person creating a level of fear leading to a malaise that seems only to respond to anti-anxiety medication – or not; which begins a new round of challenges.  There are storm clouds signaling significant changes are coming, and it is prudent to heed the appropriate warnings and forecasts; however, if you claim to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ, then use the warnings and forecasts for their intended purposes; namely, alerts to prepare and be wise so you are not caught by surprise.  I would ask you to take an additional step.

Read the story below, and ponder the message.  Critical thinking sadly has become a teaching of yesteryear.  It is rare to find an instructor versed in the art of teaching critical thought.  I was blessed to teach at two universities, and I was given permission from the Academic Dean at each institution to incorporate critical thinking into my course work.  The students were in academic shock with a professor who did not merely “teach to the test” but manipulated (skillfully altered and changed) their approach to learning, to self-awareness and growth.  Well…now you have an opportunity to accomplish a task much like my former students.  Ponder the question below, and allow yourself to examine your answer, as well as the message delivered accompanying the lesson.    

I wish you a great experience as you tackle this simple but profound exercise.  May you enjoy an Ah-Hah moment at the conclusion.  May you experience the absolute peace only the Lord can provide when you accept the premise taught here.  May you come to fully realize that while you may not have much say as to the events unfolding in your life, you do have much say as to how you can choose to respond.  This is the season of preparation and learning to submit (cooperate) with the Will of the Lord for your life, and to walk with Him in humility (trust). 

Lyle J. Rapacki,Ph.D.

You Might Like “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.” Psalm 28:7 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3 When Jesus returns, He will say one of two things to us: You Might Like “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matthew 25:28) Or He will say: “You wicked and slothful servant!  Cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:26, 30) Which will be your greeting from Jesus? Read the Bible; start at John 1: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/John.1 Then: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/Rom.3