Take advantage of challenges
By Mark Lubbock
Paul writes a letter to the church at Philippi while shackled in a Roman prison.
Surprisingly that letter uses the words “joy” and “rejoicing” 16 times.
Paul is so focused on the needs of that church in Greece that he forgets about his immediate challenges. In fact, he assures the Philippians that his imprisonment will help spread the Christian message,
You and I will absolutely go through serious and heart-breaking challenges. You may be in the midst of such a challenge even as you read this.
It’s difficult to focus on anything other than our immediate challenges, but Paul shows us that if we focus on the needs of others, we may forget about our personal pain and anxiety.
If we follow Paul’s example, we won’t make addressing the challenge the only endgame. In fact, like Paul, we may think there is value in how we address the challenge.
We may also learn something from the military.
While soldiers in boot camps may be wrestling with personal problems, the physically and psychologically intensive experience changes their focus from personal problems to team building.
Those who complete boot camp are commissioned as soldiers, prepared to work as a team to achieve objectives and accomplish vital goals.
As we face challenges related to COVID 19, racial injustice, economic disparities, and personal issues, we are called to our own boot camp.
The commission offers webinar training in setting SMART goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based.
We all face personal challenges, but we also have tools to address those issues.
Contact me or other staff members of the commission to learn about a variety of training experiences to help you become a vital team member.
Mark Lubbock, deployed staff member
General Commission on UM Men