Viewing Problems from God's Perspective

There comes a time in everyone's life when a particular problem evolves into a crisis, much to the dismay of all involved. A crisis is usually comprised of issues that were ignored over an extended period of time. Insight indicates the crisis could have been avoided had the initial problem been taken seriously.

Samson’s reactions to his failed marriage resulted in just one in a series of crises he encountered as an adult. Wisdom for living was not a virtue that Samson seemed to have possessed. He relied on his physical strength to cope with problems that evolved into full-blown crises. Common sense and social skills were not available to him for managing problems.

God's word indicates that wisdom has a spiritual quality ingrained in its fiber as well as intellectual and moral components. Wisdom enables a person to view life’s issues from God’s perspective. Enlightened by the Holy Spirit, wisdom directs a person to select the most productive means for reaching solutions to problems of life. 

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I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance.

~Ephesians 1:17-18 Christian Standard Bible

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Pathway to Patience

God's word describes patience as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. A Fruit of the Spirit is a character trait or a virtue at work in us to produce good works. When we determine to walk with God, to know and love him, then the Holy Spirit produces in us patience as well as other godly virtues.

It appears that Samson lacked the virtue of patience, so changing his response to problems created by his passions and pride seemed unlikely. Patience builds up character and stifles anger, while subduing pride. Samson did not desire to wait on the Lord for guidance and direction but acted impulsively, plunging headlong into behaviors prompted by his passions.

Passion and pride have little tolerance for patience, which is indicative of a reluctance to permit the Holy Spirit to change us. Wisdom is required for insight, and God is willing give us wisdom when we sincerely seek it. Wisdom is the pathway to patience, so ask God to give you wisdom which provides tolerance for controlling impulsivity.  

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We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding…We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.

~Colossians 1:9,11 New Living Translation

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Arrogant Pride and Passionate Anger

I'm sure Samson's parents were proud of him for several reasons. He was chosen by God to be a judge over the Israelites. What his parents’ guidelines and boundaries were for him as a child and adolescent can’t be known, but Samson’s lifestyle as an adult did not correspond with the lifestyle of one called to serve God with his gifts and talent.

Samson seemed unwilling to place boundaries on his angry impulses driven by violent thoughts. He was prideful and incapable of recognizing his complicity in the tragedies he experienced. He resorted to blaming others indiscriminately for his personal losses.

Unhealthy pride and passion victimized Samson by cutting him off from the potential God initially planned for him. Listen to Ephesians 4:31. "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander along with every form of malice. Instead be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as God in Christ forgave you.” What may seem impossible becomes possible with God’s help.  

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What do you think the Scripture means when it says the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed within us, watches over us with tender jealousy? But he gives us more and more strength to stand against all such evil longings. As the Scripture says, God gives strength to the humble, but sets himself against the proud and haughty.

~James 4:5-6 The Living Bible

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Amazing! Grace Can Transform Rage

On the surface it's often difficult to distinguish between pride that is helpful and beneficial and pride that reflects moral weakness. I'm proud to be an American, and I take pride in our democracy. I love to sing God Bless America and The Star Spangle Banner. However, there’s a dark side of pride that’s considered a deadly sin along with lust, anger, laziness, covetousness, envy, and gluttony.

Samson was not only prideful, but also afflicted with passionate anger that progressed into violence and rage. Rage is an altered state of consciousness that controls the person and is absent of consideration for consequences. When the deed is done and rage subsides, normal thinking may resume. Only at that point did Samson fear retaliation, but still he had no feelings of remorse or regret.

Perhaps that's why anger that has transformed into rage is considered a deadly sin. However, the redemptive powers of Christ Jesus can change the heart, mind and will of the vilest offender when there is submission to God’s amazing grace.  

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Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to.

~James 4:1-3 The Message

For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world.

~Titus 2:11-12 Good News Bible

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