Crisis and Reality - Part 3

Reality is an interesting word, given that individuals often perceive a situation or experience differently. The ability to manage reality in healthy ways  depends on the experiences, emotional stability, and character of each person. When loved ones go into the world to discover their reality, these choices can be painful and scary.

The father Jesus referred to in Luke 15 realized his son would embark on a  journey that was subject to failure, danger, or even death. Reality for the young man included a great adventure, success, and fun. The father's reality was the  potential loss of his son in addition to a substantial loss of wealth.

The father's wisdom allowed him to release rather than restrain his son. The father's faith in his son's ability to deal constructively with pig pen reality had to be a contributing factor in letting him go. Is this comparable to the faith and trust Christ Jesus has in us to make constructive choices when we face the reality of a crisis? It's something to consider.

Crisis and Reality - Part 1

The word crisis from the Chinese language means opportunity or danger. Danger represents a potential change or loss from which great pain can be prolonged for years. Danger implies a potential crisis you're forced to face regardless of other choices you would rather make. Opportunity suggests positive choices with minimal stress.

The effectiveness with which we handle a crisis is connected to our ability to manage reality constructively. Ability includes a mentality for comprehending the seriousness of a given situation including a sense of what and who caused a crisis. Ability indicates skills that will be used to affect a productive change.

A personal crisis may come from neglecting our body, family, work, or other relationships. Constructively managing reality begins by giving Christ Jesus first place in your life. It means trusting him with every aspect of your life. When you activate this step, you're in a position to choose opportunities that advance God's purpose and plan for your life.