Jan 3, 2010 - This Year Will Be Different

Philippians 3: 10-16 “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, ¹¹if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.12 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. ¹³Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. ¹⁶Only let us hold fast to what we have attained.”

I appreciate Rev. Steve May’s sermon on “Becoming An Action-Oriented Thinker”. He has some good thoughts that are woven into our worship today.

Every year people make New Year's resolutions, and they quickly learn how hard they are to keep. In fact, one survey taken a few years ago revealed that 70 percent of all New Year's resolutions are broken in the first 7 days of January.

A few years ago a couple’s New Year's resolution was to stop smoking. They were in their 50's and had smoked all of their adult lives, so it would be a challenge for them. A few days after the New Year began, the woman said, "Well, when we woke up on New Year's Day we did what we always do. I made a pot of coffee, Buddy went out and got the paper, and we sat down to have a cigarette together. A few minutes later Buddy said, 'Hey! I forgot what day it is. This is January 1; we were supposed to quit smoking today.' And I said, 'Well, it looks like we blew it. We'll have to try again next year.'"

Now, the idea of New Year's resolutions is a good one, because it can help us be aware of areas of life that need improvement and another chance to make them better. However, we know that if we really want to make some changes, it requires commitment and persistence.

A crucial step to creating change in our life is to change the way we think about whatever it is we are trying to resolve.  That is, becoming an action-oriented thinker. This means much more than just making observations about ourselves and our circumstances. It means learning to think in ways that motivate us to take action.

Remember the observation of the eight ounce glass with four ounces of water in it?  The pessimist observes that the glass is half-empty, while the positive person observes that the glass is half-full; So far so good. However, the action-oriented thinker observes the eight ounce glass with four ounces of water in it and thinks, "I need some more water. How do I go about getting it?"

Now, if I need more water, I’m not going to think my way to a full glass. I have to actually, physically, take the glass to the tap. Action-oriented thinking helps us do that.

The Apostle Paul epitomized action-oriented thinking. When you read his writings in the New Testament you see that he was a man of faith, of thought, and of action. He didn't just talk about or observe the way things ought to be, he took action. He went from being violent, intolerant, self-serving, and self-righteous, to being a humble, holy, fully committed follower of Christ. Now, his spiritual transformation was God’s doing. His faithful lifestyle was his disciplined response to Christ’s presence in his life. In Philippians 3 we see how he was able to create lasting change in his life. There are three focal adjustments we can make in our way of thinking. First of all...

1. Focus on long-term solutions, not just short-term resolutions.

Both are important, but if we really want to create lasting change, we have to develop a sense of the big picture. We see life in terms of goals—and what is being accomplishing over the long haul. Too often, improving one’s life gets focused on the symptom, e.g. stop smoking. However, long-term improvement and well being does not get achieved by focusing on the problematic symptom. Rather, it gets achieved by focusing on the possible solution.

Let's say a person decides to give up smoking because he knows it's not good for their health.  They quit, and to compensate for his overwhelming urge for nicotine, begin to eat everything in sight. So, six months later, they’re a non-smoker, but gained 40 pounds. One health problem is exchanged for another.  People in this situation often think, "I'd rather smoke than be overweight," and they go back to their old habit.

On the other hand, a solution-focused goal-oriented person would realize that the real objective in giving up cigarettes is to improve their health to live for their family. They may begin to exercise some. If he finds that he is hungry all the time, he'll make healthier food choices so that he's not as likely to put on weight, and on and on.

When we think about resolutions, ask: What is the ultimate solution goal behind this resolution? Let that goal become your focus. Our long term goals answer the question "Why?" and help keep us focused on the right reasons for improving our lives.

Paul's long term goal was simple: (v. 10-11) I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead.

It was for this cause he said, (v. 14) I press on toward the goal to win the prize.  Paul struggled toward holiness in his life not so that he could impress others or feel good about himself. He did it so that he could be like Jesus.

2. Focus on progress, not just perfection.

Paul recognized that changes don't always take place overnight. He said, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”  Day by day he keeps moving forward. He may not be perfect now, but he keeps pressing toward the mark.

If you want to stop yelling at the kids, you want to stop yelling at them 100 percent of the time, not just 50 percent of the time. If you want to start exercising 5 times per week, you want to do achieve it every week, not just once per month.

Perfect resolution may be desired, however we must learn to measure our progress. Life’s problems did not get that way overnight, and they won’t get fixed overnight.   Creating lasting change in your life takes time.  

A basketball player's goal is to hit every shot that he puts up. Obviously. He never takes a shot with the attitude, "Maybe I should miss it this time."  Instead, as they work toward that goal, they measure their success by the progress they make. Are they scoring more points per game? Are they hitting a higher percentage of shots than before? Action-oriented thinkers focus on progress. As Paul says, “I press on to take hold of that…”

3. Focus on the "how," not just the "what."

The "what" part is easy. We know what we want; we just don't always know how to get there. It's easy to say, "I want to be a great parent." Knowing exactly how to pull it off isn't always easy. It's easy to say, "I want to have a happy marriage." Knowing how to have a happy marriage isn't always easy. The "how to" part requires intentional work.

You have to develop a strategy for getting from where you are to where you want to be. Setting a goal or making a New Year's resolution won't change your life. You have to have a map for getting there.

Let's say a goal is to have a great relationship with your children or grandkids.  Now you need a strategy for making it happen. So you might say: • Three times a week I'll spend an hour alone with each child, doing something with them that they love to do. • One day a week I'll do their chores with them, so we'll have a chance to talk while we work. • I'll pray for my children every day of the week.

You get the idea. The more specific your map is, the better. This may sound redundant, but action-oriented thinkers think in terms of specific actions they can take toward the accomplishment of their objectives. Goals, solutions, dreams, and desires can only be achieved when powered by strategies.

Paul gives the Philippians a strategy for reaching the goal of godliness. First, he says, (v. 16) Let us live up to what we have already attained. Then he goes on to say, (v. 17) Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Paul is saying, "If you want to be like Jesus, then live the truth you know and follow the example set by spiritual leaders."

In chapter four, when Paul talks about experiencing the peace of God, he does the same thing: he supports the "what" with a "how to." He says, "If you want to experience the peace of God, here's how to do it."

Action-oriented thinkers focus on the how, not just the what. This is why action-oriented thinkers depend so much on the Bible for guidance. The Bible doesn't leave us hanging; it teaches us HOW to do WHAT God wants us to do.

People who want this year to be different will 1) change the way they think by creating long-term goals that are solution focused.  2) Become an action-oriented thinker who is progress focused. 3) Ask “How can I” questions to develop strategies by being practically focused.

Nicole Marquez survived a six-story fall from a New York City building, suffering broken ribs, a punctured lung, a fractured pelvis and broken vertebrae in her neck and back! Yet her recovery is nothing short of miraculous. “It’s amazing,” said Nicole’s mother, Susan. “Jesus said to her, ‘Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!’” --Mark 5:34a, The Message

Most of Nicole’s recovery occurred in the expert care of the Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson, Mississippi.  The Rehab center helps people to recover ability and recover hope by connecting state-of-the-art research to state-of the-art patient care.

A lot of patients go in with severe injuries and illnesses—yet, an amazing 80 percent heal and recover enough to return home or to independent living.

However, recovering from her broken body was not Nicole’s only resolve.  She was solution focused, progress focused, and practically focused.  Her mom, Susan, says “Sure life is different for us now, but Nicole keeps us going with her positive attitude and sunny disposition. ‘We don’t look back; we just keep moving forward’”.

Now, Nicole volunteers in the research lab at the Methodist Rehabilitation Center.  And the time she invests is her small way of giving back, and paying it forward at the same time.”

Our God is a God of action. Jesus’ actions and words were all about progressing toward his goals and God-given purpose – we too can be people of action who create lasting change in our lives and therefore positive change in our community.