The challenge to change ourselves

"When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor E. Frankl

These words leave us with a big challenge. Frankl was writing this reflection after he had lived through the horrors of the concentration camps. I can only imagine that this would have been incredibly difficult to put into practice. 

As I was reading his words, I thought about the 2 criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus. Both of them found themselves in situations they would never be able to change. One thief remained bitter and angry; the other thief, allowed his heart to be changed and acknowledged Jesus as his Saviour.

How do you deal with difficult situations?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Having a purpose

Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

The Austrian psychiatrist, Victor Frankl, has written on the relation of the meaning of life as related to the whole structure of our personality. 

It is his thinking "that the need to find meaning in our life is more basic to a human being than pleasure and power or anything else." The thing he keeps repeating is that if a person has a "why" to live, they can endure any "how." However, if "why" is lacking, then the persons whole life eventually collapses.

2 Corinthians 5:5 - Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

What do you think of this?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Freedom?

Is there a difference between these two kinds of Freedom?

2 Corinthians - 3:17 - "For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is Freedom."

"Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your FREEDOM to choose how you will respond to the situation." - Victor Frankl

What do these 2 thoughts mean for you today? 

Can the 'freedom' that Christ offers us impact the way we respond to the situations that happen all around us? 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Galatians 5:13 - For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

"A" is for Attitude

"Everything can be taken from a person, except ONE thing: To choose ones attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose ones way.” - Viktor Frankl, concentration camp survivor. 

Although circumstances can conspire around us we can still choose how we will respond to these circumstances. Attitude is such a key character trait in people and the best example of someone with a great attitude is Jesus. Take a look at these words from Paul - he reveals the humble ATTITUDE of Jesus.

Philippians 2: 5-8 - ^"In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶ Who, being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷ rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸ And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!"

May the example of Jesus inspire you to choose the best Attitude you can.

 
Living in Grace
D3LM3